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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Tricia Helfer, the star of ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ reflects on the show’s early warnings regarding artificial intelligence and its growing relevance.
During a recent interview with Fox News Digital at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Helfer emphasized the prescient nature of the series, which debuted over two decades ago. She stated, “We did warn against AI while we were shooting it.” Her memories of the show have only intensified as AI technology continues to evolve.
Helfer remarked, “It was 20 years ago, and I’ve recently re-watched it and went, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s even more relevant now.’ So I think we just really need to be careful. It’s a slippery slope between using it to our advantage and having it maybe be able to control us a little bit.”
As spectators marvel at the advancements in AI, Helfer admitted, “I think we’re a little bit far off from the humanoid Cylons yet and humanoid robots, but I don’t know, they’re coming.” Her comments resonate in a world increasingly captivated by AI discussions.
The Origins and Legacy of ‘Battlestar Galactica’
‘Battlestar Galactica’ premiered on the SyFy channel in 2004, a reimagining of the original series that first aired in 1978. The show follows a gripping narrative centered on the conflict between humans and Cylons, sentient robots created by humanity. This battle escalates after the Cylons turn against their creators, launching a nuclear assault that nearly obliterates human civilization.
In the series, Helfer played the character Number Six, a Cylon who served as both an antagonist and an ally throughout the intricate plot. The duality of her role highlighted the complex themes surrounding trust, betrayal, and the potential consequences of human innovation.
AI’s Uneasy Relationship with Society
Helfer further elaborated on the broader implications of AI technology. She noted, “It’s not going away, so I think it’s something that we’re going to have to embrace. But I think one of the things ‘Battlestar Galactica’ did was warn about it. And that’s something we need to ensure—having regulations and an understanding of how quickly and overwhelming this technology could become.” These insights encourage society to consider the balance between embracing innovation and retaining control over it.
A New Chapter for ‘Battlestar Galactica’
The franchise’s legacy continues to evolve with plans for a ‘Battlestar Galactica’ reboot. Originally being developed at Peacock by Sam Esmail, the creator behind the critically acclaimed series ‘Mr. Robot,’ the project has faced delays and is currently being sought by other platforms for potential development.
In 2023, Esmail shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter on how the new iteration would approach the themes of AI. He shared, “The world is changing way too fast for us. I mean, when we started working on it, I obviously was aware of AI, but now, four or five years later, it’s in the public consciousness and now that’s so influential in how we’re going to tell the story.” This shift underscores the evolving nature of technological discussions that are becoming more sophisticated over time.
Esmail also commented on the need to adapt the narrative to reflect current societal concerns: “The allegory piece is something that is crystallized in a different way, too. The focus is the same, which is the fear of tech and how it might take over, but this idea of just ‘the robots are going to be our overlords’ is a very facile and overly simplistic way of looking at it.” His vision suggests a more nuanced exploration of technology’s role in human life.
Contemporary AI Innovations
While Helfer believes humanoid robots still belong to the distant future, some innovations are already making headlines today. Recently, Alan Hamel, the widower of actress Suzanne Somers, embarked on a project with an AI company called Hollo to create a digital twin of his late wife.
Hamel described his collaboration, stating, “I am working with Hollo, an AI company to create Suzanne AI. It’s very exciting to think about being able to interact with Suzanne’s twin.” This development showcases AI’s capacity to extend personal legacies in groundbreaking ways.
The AI twin of Somers draws from her extensive film and television catalog, as well as her writings, to re-embody the essence of the beloved star. Hollo.AI CEO Rex Wong explained the technology, saying, “The robot, which we did in collaboration with Realbotix, is the first of many AI versions of Suzanne, but AI Suzanne can also be accessible via call, chat, and text.”
Preserving Legacies Through AI
The concept of creating enduring legacies through AI touches on deeper emotional themes. Wong added, “AI Suzanne highlights how we can extend a person’s legacy and bring it to the next generation, and one of the services we will be rolling out will be the ability to preserve one’s legacy for future generations or bring back a loved one.” Such advancements invite introspection about the implications of creating replicas of those we have lost.
Somers passed away in 2023 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Hamel indicated that the idea for the AI-powered bot stemmed from her own reflections on mortality, stating, “Absolutely did come from her. She may have known her life was going to be shortened [after a lifelong battle with cancer].” These developments in AI challenge the boundaries of life and death, as technology continues to interweave with personal narratives.
Engaging with Tomorrow’s Technologies
As discussions surrounding AI grow increasingly critical, the need for thoughtful consideration remains paramount. Tricia Helfer’s comments serve as a reminder of the potentialities of technology and the importance of cautious optimism. Striking a balance between innovation and regulation could shape the future of AI and its role in society.
Ultimately, as we navigate these complex issues, fostered by shows like ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ society must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that technology enhances humanity rather than threatens it.
