Las Vegas Sphere Digitally Alters Wizard Of Oz Featuring Zaslav Cameo

The Las Vegas Sphere has unveiled an immersive, AI-enhanced adaptation of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, featuring a shortened runtime to accommodate more daily showings and a massive, uniquely shaped screen. A notable and controversial aspect of the adaptation is the insertion of AI-generated cameos of Sphere CEO James Dolan and Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who appear briefly as uncredited background characters, challenging viewers to spot them. The project, which has pushed its budget close to $100 million, uses AI not only to upscale and fit the film to the Sphere's vast screen but also to enhance original performances without resorting to full hand reanimation, aiming to preserve the film's integrity. Visual effects specialist Ben Grossmann defended the extensive use of AI, emphasizing that more artists were employed on this project than typical Hollywood productions, and that AI was tested extensively to maintain authenticity. This reimagining has sparked debate over the role of AI in filmmaking, balancing technological innovation with respect for original works, while coinciding with renewed cultural interest in L. Frank Baum's stories through upcoming adaptations like Wicked: For Good and a new live-action series. The Sphere's Wizard of Oz experience combines cutting-edge technology with classic storytelling, generating buzz and discussion about the future of cinematic presentations.