MORDOR — Crossover episodes can be very fun, when you see favorite characters pop up where they're not expected — but combining fantasy characters into reality TV is not something you'd expect.
One man decided to use AI to create a mashup video where Frodo tries to sell the One Ring to Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison, and he does it so well. The content makes it obvious that it is AI, but the video and audio run so smoothly that I can almost suspend my disbelief.
I really enjoyed how the creator, David Unger, slipped in phrases from the movies and shows, like Frodo saying "I wish the ring had never come to me," to explain why he's at the pawn shop.
Harrison's comment that the ring is "not as uncommon as you might think," as he claims they made 20 of them, is my favorite line. He's definitely trying to downplay the ring's value, as I'm sure he knows, like every fan, that although there were rings for the men, dwarves and elves, the one Frodo has is still "the one ring" and entirely unique.
Ultimately, Harrison offers $20, and then raises it to $25 after talking with an "expert." And it seems like he'll be able to sell it as Gollum walks in shortly afterward.
Just like the extended Lord of the Rings movies, you will need to watch this AI video in two parts — but they are much, much shorter.
This video is hopefully a sign that AI will be used to create more enjoyable content in the future.
If you want to learn more about how Unger created this video, he has another video talking about his process.
