In July 2025, Corey Feldman turned heads by releasing a music video that could only exist in the age of artificial intelligence. The clip accompanies his psychedelic‑rock single “Characters,” a track that fuses 80s swagger with a timeless, almost psychedelic soundscape. What makes the release stand out isn’t just the song’s vibe; it’s the way AI stitches together digital avatars of Feldman’s most iconic on‑screen personas, letting them perform together in a single frame.
A New Kind of Nostalgia: AI Meets Feldman's Filmography
The concept draws a direct line to Paul McCartney’s 1989 “Coming Up” video, where multiple versions of the Beatle appear simultaneously. Feldman told Billboard that he wanted his own “nostalgic yet fresh” visual homage, a piece that would feel both retro and futuristic. By feeding the AI a trove of movie stills, TV footage, and even a vintage McDonald’s commercial, the system generated believable, animated likenesses of the actor at different ages.
Fans can spot the following AI‑crafted incarnations lining up for the chorus:
- The plucky, wide‑eyed kid from The Goonies (1985)
- The earnest teen from Stand by Me (1986)
- The brooding vampire hunter from The Lost Boys (1987)
- The cartoon‑ish hero of the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live‑action film
- The smooth‑talking mascot in his 1990s McDonald’s commercial
- A stylized version of Feldman’s brief foray into Michael Jackson‑inspired pop music during the early 2000s
Each avatar dances, sings, or simply watches the other versions, creating a surreal “meeting of selves” that would have been impossible without deep‑learning image synthesis. The AI not only replicates facial features but also captures subtle mannerisms—like the trademark grin from “The Goonies” or the dead‑pan delivery of “The Lost Boys.”
Creative Risks and the Future of Music Videos
Feldman made it clear that he views AI as a creative aid, not a substitute. In the same interview, he emphasized that the technology should augment the human touch, not erase it. “I’m against using AI to replace people’s imagination,” he said. “Here it’s a tool that lets me honor my past without pulling a stunt that feels cheap.” This stance mirrors a growing debate within the entertainment industry, where artists wrestle with the line between innovation and authenticity.
Beyond the buzz, the video signals how veteran performers can reconnect with younger audiences. By marrying a rock track that nods to Beatles‑era songwriting with a visual language that feels straight out of a TikTok-era AI experiment, Feldman positions himself at a cultural crossroads. Early fan reactions on social media reflect a mix of wonder and nostalgic joy, with many commenting that seeing all his characters together feels like a “secret fan convention.”
Industry insiders note that the production cost likely undercut traditional multi‑character shoots, where hiring look‑alikes, securing rights, and extensive post‑production can run into millions. AI, when used responsibly, can streamline that budget while opening an artistic playground. For Feldman, the experiment also serves as a teaser for an upcoming Beatles‑inspired EP, suggesting that more AI‑enhanced visuals may accompany his next releases.
Ultimately, “Characters” stands as a case study in how legacy artists can harness cutting‑edge tools to reinterpret their own histories. It shows that when technology respects the source material, the result can be both a tribute and a fresh creative statement—one that invites fans to relive old memories while stepping into a new, pixel‑powered future.
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