Four years after his death and thanks to technology and the development of artificial intelligence, the figure of Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado is the protagonist of a project on social media in which, through a video, he can be seen and heard providing the updated horoscope.
According to a press release sent by Walter Mercado Holdings, horoscopes by zodiac sign will be published on social media once a week, on Mondays. Additionally, the Cameo platform charges US$99 for personalized videos featuring Walter Mercado’s avatar, which can be related to birthdays, advice, encouragement or criticism.
The first video featuring Walter Mercado’s avatar was released on November 2 and is now available on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, formerly Twitter.
Walter Mercado Holdings holds the legal rights to market Mercado’s image with the consent of his nephews, Miguel Suárez Benet and Dannette Benet, who helped develop this technological concept.
As explained in the statement, the project will sell horoscopes, greetings, congratulations and other types of personalized messages. No subscriptions or advertising will be offered.
Using artificial intelligence, the model “feeds on material previously produced by Walter Mercado to create new content in the same style as his. In the future, there will be the opportunity to create personalized horoscopes, but it is not possible yet”, they say.
It is also explained that “this avatar will be completely bilingual in English and Spanish, so everyone can enjoy Walter’s knowledge and wisdom. The company Cameo confirmed to CNN which is working with the Walter Mercado team to activate its presence.”
“We are delighted to welcome the avatar of Walter Mercado, a legacy of love, light and wisdom that continues to live and thrive,” reads part of the statement.
Walter Mercado passed away on November 3, 2019. For three decades, he was an icon of Spanish-language television, where he offered daily horoscopes and his famous catchphrase, “mucho, mucho amor.” According to his family, Mercado, who was 87 years old, died due to kidney failure.
His career began when, one day, he had to fill a gap in a program in Puerto Rico due to the absence of Spanish singer Camilo Sesto and improvised a description of the zodiac signs. He was so successful that he ended up having his own show.
The astrologer’s programs, according to the statement, had an audience of 120 million people in the United States and Latin America. Before dedicating himself to astrology, Mercado was a theater and soap opera actor, as well as a ballet and Spanish dancer.
Source: CNN Brasil
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