AI startup Fable, backed by Amazon and already known for generating homemade “South Park” episodes, has unveiled an audacious new project: recreating the 43 lost minutes of Orson Welles’ classic film *The Magnificent Ambersons*.
The company is leveraging its latest AI model, designed to produce long, intricate narratives, to tackle this ambitious endeavor. Director Brian Rose, leading the initiative, has called the loss of Welles’ original footage a cultural tragedy, framing the project as a noble attempt to restore a cinematic masterpiece.
The idea sounds intriguing on paper — using AI to fill in the gaps of a film mutilated by studio edits after its 1942 release. Fable’s technology aims to analyze the existing footage, scripts, and Welles’ style to generate a seamless continuation. Yet, the mission hits a snag: Fable has neither acquired the rights to the film nor consulted Welles’ heirs, who expressed shock and confusion upon hearing of the plan. This oversight has sparked criticism, with some labeling the effort a crude demo and a mechanical exercise devoid of artistic merit.
The leap from churning out “South Park” fan content to tackling a Welles classic requires bold ambition, but it raises questions about legitimacy and respect for intellectual property. Industry observers argue that without legal clearance or input from Welles’ estate, the project risks being seen as little more than a high-tech fanfic. Still, Fable seems to have achieved its secondary goal — generating buzz.
The controversy has put the startup in the spotlight, fueling debates about AI’s role in preserving or exploiting cinematic heritage.
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Whether the final product will honor Welles’ vision or flop as a technical gimmick remains uncertain. For now, Fable’s provocative move highlights the growing tension between AI innovation and traditional artistry, leaving audiences curious — and skeptical — about what’s to come.
