Elvis Presley is still dead, but he’s making some comeback performances soon.
Digital Domain Media Group, creator of the “holographic” Tupac Shakur at Coachella, has announced an exclusive deal with the Core Media Group to jointly produce a series of “virtual” Elvis likenesses for a range of entertainment projects.
According to Digital Domain, a visual effects company that also has worked on such films as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Tron: Legacy” and “X-Men: First Class,” the virtual Elvis will soon be seen in film, on television and in other venues. Concerts appear to be a clear possibility. Digital Domain says it will announce soon where audiences can expect to see the first virtual Elvis performances.
Core Media, formerly known as CKx, is a company that creates and manages brands. It acquired Apollo Global Management in 2011, which gave it rights over Elvis’ likeness.
Elvis Presley Enterprises is a division within Core Media. The manager of Elvis’ brand expresses enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
“His lifelong fans will be thrilled all over again, and new audiences will discover the electric experience of Elvis the performer,” said Jack Soden, president and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises. “The high level of quality entertainment that both Core Media Group and Digital Domain deliver gives us great confidence that these projects will help continue the growth of Elvis’ rich legacy all over the world.”
According to the company, Elvis sightings are still strong with 6 million Facebook followers, more than 70,000 official app downloads and more than 5 million unique visitors annually to Elvis.com. “He is also now the King of Digital,” says a press release.
The virtual Tupac performance at Coachella was witnessed by tens of thousands of people, made international headlines and has sparked speculation about which dead celebrities would be the next to be resurrected digitally. Plans are also in the works for a virtual Marilyn Monroe concert this year. –Billboard