AI Art Series "Star Worse" Ponders Effects of Aging on Sci-Fi Icons

May. 04, 2023

In honour of "Star Wars" Day, falling on May 4th, Great Guns director Tal Zagreba has released "Star Worse" - an AI art series depicting where the stars would be now, 46 years after their first appearance on screen.

One character appears in each image, alone in their grand homes. From Yoda to Chewbacca, Darth Vader to Leia, all share a sense of quiet isolation and a far off look in their eyes, reflecting on a life that’s slowed down after decades in the spotlight.

Created using Midjourney 5’s graphic engine, the series takes a human approach to the iconic characters of ‘Star Wars’. Instead of treating them as fictitious entities living on distant stars, Tal shows them dealing with ageing and solitude just as humans do.

Considering the resounding success of the franchise, Tal was also inspired to tackle the effects of time in a philosophical rather than physical way, pondering how lonely the characters might feel after living for so long in the cage of their own global fame. Instead of highlighting physical decay or neglect, therefore, the stars are shown reacting to the passage of time introspectively, turning to contemplation and soul-searching.

Tal Zagreba commented:

"I’ve loved having the immense privilege of creating this tribute to the stars of my childhood, and was thrilled to discover that despite the characters getting older over 46 years, they have definitely stood the test of time. Though "Star Wars" once seemed completely imaginary to us, we’re now living in an exciting period in which technological advancements are bridging the gap between sci-fi and reality."