Ozzy Osbourne, the late Black Sabbath frontman who died in July 2025 at age 76, is set to be recreated as a lifesized AI-powered avatar, his family announced on 20 May at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The project, developed with tech companies Hyperreal and Proto Hologram, aims to create an interactive digital version of the rocker.
Family Announces Avatar at Licensing Expo
Jack Osbourne, Ozzy's son, and his wife Sharon revealed the partnership during the event. Jack described the technology as "scary accurate" and noted that the avatar could be used for commercials and fan interactions. "He will exist digitally as himself for as long as we have computers," Jack said, adding that the process is as simple as "drag and drop."
Sharon Osbourne expressed hopes that the avatar would tour globally, allowing fans to converse with Ozzy. "Elvis died 50 years ago and everybody knows Elvis. I just want that for Ozzy," she said.
How the Avatar Works
Hyperreal claims the avatar will be able to have conversations, move, speak, and respond as Ozzy would. It will appear on interactive touchscreens in undisclosed locations in the US and UK later this year. Hyperreal CEO Remington Scott emphasized that the avatar was built from authenticated source material, with family consent. "This is a living performance, not a rendering," Scott said.
Fan Backlash and Jack's Response
The announcement drew criticism from fans who deemed it disrespectful and speculated it would go against Ozzy's wishes. In response, Jack Osbourne defended the project during a YouTube livestream, calling it "so tasteful" and not "fucking lame." He revealed that he had discussed similar ideas with his father before his death. "It's something that I think my dad would be into," Jack said.
Osbourne joins a list of posthumous hologram projects, including Tupac Shakur, Roy Orbison, Maria Callas, and Michael Jackson. A planned Amy Winehouse hologram was cancelled in 2018 due to sensitivities.
