“Hollywood Meets AI: The Company That De-Aged Tom Hanks in Here Joins Forces with VFX Giant DNEG!”
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the future of visual effects, generative AI startup Metaphysic—best known for its jaw-dropping age-reversal work in Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright—has been acquired by DNEG Group’s AI division, Brahma. This strategic acquisition is set to supercharge Brahma’s AI-powered content creation tools, accelerating the integration of AI into professional filmmaking at an unprecedented scale.
The Power Behind the De-Aging Magic
If you marveled at how Here seamlessly transitioned between different time periods, credit goes to Metaphysic. The company’s advanced AI tools were responsible for digitally aging and de-aging Tom Hanks and Robin Wright without the need for extensive makeup or reshoots. This technology has also been used to recreate the likeness of late actors, such as Richard Carter for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Ian Holm for Alien: Romulus.
Following the acquisition, Brahma will integrate Metaphysic’s AI tools into its expanding portfolio, aiming to revolutionize content creation across industries—not just in Hollywood but in gaming, virtual production, and even commercial advertising.
What’s the Big Deal?
This isn’t just another corporate buyout—it’s a game-changing moment for AI-driven VFX. Brahma, launched in 2024 after a massive $200 million investment from Abu Dhabi’s United Al Saqer Group, has been on a mission to build cutting-edge AI tools for content creators. The acquisition of Metaphysic puts Brahma on a fast track to becoming a leader in AI-generated photorealistic content.
DNEG, the VFX powerhouse behind Oscar-winning films like Dune, Inception, Interstellar, and Tenet, is no stranger to industry-defining innovation. With this deal, DNEG’s AI-powered arm Brahma is looking to push the limits even further by blending its high-end VFX expertise with Metaphysic’s cutting-edge generative AI technology.
Hollywood Meets AI: What’s Next?
Metaphysic’s CEO, Thomas Graham, is set to transition into the role of Brahma’s President, with plans to eventually take over as CEO. Brahma’s leadership team will be headed by Executive Chairman Prabhu Narasimhan, with DNEG’s founder and CEO Namit Malhotra currently serving as interim CEO.
According to Malhotra, Brahma’s AI tools—including Metaphysic’s innovations—will be available to all content creators, not just DNEG clients. That means productions outside the DNEG ecosystem can also benefit from this cutting-edge technology, making high-end visual effects more accessible across the industry.
The Bigger Picture
This deal signals a shift in how Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large approach AI-driven storytelling. With the increasing demand for photorealistic digital humans, AI-powered de-aging, and even resurrecting actors for new performances, Metaphysic’s tech is at the forefront of a rapidly evolving landscape.
“With Brahma, we are taking DNEG’s multiple Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation toolsets and marrying them with the incredible power of generative AI,” said Narasimhan. “Our goal is to create a suite of AI content products, including what we believe will be the industry’s leading photorealistic AI video creator.”
Graham echoed this sentiment, adding that Metaphysic’s AI innovations will now be backed by the scale and expertise of DNEG and Brahma, allowing them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven content creation.
Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in Film
As AI continues to weave its way into Hollywood’s DNA, this acquisition marks a major step toward a future where visual effects are more immersive, efficient, and cost-effective. Whether it’s de-aging actors, digitally resurrecting performances, or creating entirely new characters, the blending of AI and VFX is here to stay.
With Metaphysic now under Brahma’s umbrella, one thing is clear: the line between reality and digital magic is about to get even blurrier—and the future of filmmaking will never be the same.
