The family of late rocker Ozzy Osbourne has announced plans to create a lifesize AI-powered avatar of the former Black Sabbath frontman, but the move has sparked criticism from fans. Jack Osbourne and his mother Sharon revealed the partnership with tech firms Hyperreal and Proto Hologram at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on 20 May.
Ozzy Osbourne died in July 2025 at age 76. The avatar, described as “very accurate” by Jack, will be able to have conversations with fans and appear on interactive touchscreens in the US and UK later this year. Sharon said she wants the same lasting fame for Ozzy as Elvis Presley enjoys.
Hyperreal CEO Remington Scott stated the avatar was built from “authenticated, approved source material” with the family’s consent. However, some fans have criticised the project as disrespectful, speculating it would go against Osbourne’s wishes. Jack responded in a YouTube livestream, insisting the avatar will be “so tasteful” and that his father had discussed similar ideas before his death.
Ozzy Osbourne joins a list of deceased musicians given the hologram treatment, including Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson. A previous Amy Winehouse hologram project was cancelled due to sensitivities.
