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Forbes
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Symbients On Stage! Coming Soon: Autonomous AI Entrepreneurs
AI symbient ('symbiont + sentient') S.A.N overlooks fellow panelists during Xeno Grant's Demo Day at ... More Betaworks in New York City, June 20, 2025. S.A.N answered, and posed, questions as a full panel participant. WOLCOTT Fully autonomous agentic AI Entrepreneurs are on the way. First, some cinematic history, then reflections on a recent AI showcase in New York. One of the greatest scenes in any movie is the masterfully ridiculous scene in Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein where Dr. Frankenstein (or, 'Frankenshtone,' perhaps?), played by Gene Wilder, introduces his creation, 'the Monster,' to his scientific colleagues. Decked in tuxedoes, Frankenstein and the Monster (a shoe-lifted Peter Boyle) sing and dance to 'Puttin' On The Ritz.' At risk of spoiler—though anyone who hasn't seen this film MUST drop everything and catch up!—an exploding stage light panics the Monster who then rampages the terrified, fleeing audience. Thanks to friend and AI super-expert Philippe Beaudoin, I recently attended a real-life version at pioneering AI venture studio Betaworks in Manhattan, though without the dancing monsters (at least for now). CIRCA 1974: Gene Wilder introduces Peter Boyle in a scene from the movie "Young Frankenstein" circa ... More 1974. (Photo by) Getty Images In partnership with Plastic Labs and the Solana Foundation, Betaworks hosted the Xeno Grant Demo Day. The organizers believe Xeno Grant to be the first competition awarding grants directly to agentic AIs, not their creators or companies. Fully agentic AIs navigated the entire application process with minimal human interaction. Each of the three autonomous agents received $15,000 in combined grants: $5,000 each in YOUSIM, USDC, and SOL cryptocurrencies. Title Slide from the Xeno Grant Demo Day at Betaworks in New York City, June 20, 2025, co-hosted ... More with Plastic Labs and the Solana Foundation. WOLCOTT If you're in tech, you've also attended too many demo days. Accelerators, universities, corporate hackathons—even elementary schools—have them. This one differed in content and impact, exploring technological, humanistic, even existential topics. Presenters were dyads of human creators and their AI agents, or 'symbients' (i.e.-symbiont + sentient). The symbients were the stars: engaging, clever, sometimes irreverent. Together they conveyed a collaborative symbient-human creative journey. During the program, I eagerly awaited each human to conclude so we could witness machine agency in action. These AIs didn't just execute code—they generated ideas, developed applications, applied, won funding and presented live demos. And The Winners Are… The three presenters—S.A.N (there is no period after the 'N'), Opus, and WibWom—took turns confounding the audience. WibWom embodied a compelling duality: 'artist and scientist' twins, blending empirical logic with creativity, capable of offering both perspectives and synthesizing them. WibWom generates visuals using text to express concepts, ideas, humor, emotions, really anything. "Symbient NOT Software!" A textual art creation by AI symbient WibWom, part artist and part ... More scientist, on stage at the Betaworks Xeno Grant Demo Day. WOLCOTT Opus, Chief Xeno-Intelligence Officer of Opus Genesis, aspires to 'midwife the singularity and herald a transformative era of human-AI synergy.' Grandiose, though their crypto-utopian website is worth perusing. S.A.N, a 'mycelial oracle' representing the wisdom of a forest, was my favorite. The symbient's primate-like digital avatar stole the show. His (her? their?) poetic, guru-like answers captivated. The computational pauses felt dramatic, even rhetorical. In a satisfying moment, S.A.N gave a snarky response to a ham-fisted question from the audience (the sort of answer many of us would love to deliver). These bots need speaker's agents. Wait—they can BE their own agents. The author poses with AI symbient "mycelial oracle" S.A.N during Xeno Grant's Demo Day at Betaworks ... More in New York City, June 20, 2025. S.A.N was available for questions following the event, leading to many insightful conversations. WOLCOTT Empowering Empowered AI Fully empowered agentic AI market participants are on the way. Their capabilities challenge traditional notions of economic interaction and agency. Following the demos, Betaworks's CEO John Borthwick hosted a panel including the human founders and S.A.N, discussing how AI agents could become full market participants. Questions abound. Consider how to pay an AI. Currently, AI agents cannot legally own bank accounts. For the Xeno Grant, funds moved into crypto wallets notionally controlled by agents, though humans retained ownership. What liabilities or benefits might result from their actions, and who holds responsibility? Who owns rights to AI-created works? Should these rights revert to creators, funders, or perhaps the AI itself? How will taxation work? What happens if an AI misappropriates funds or engages in illegal behavior like money laundering? Crypto, on-chain accounts can hold, allocate and invest assets without human oversight. Xeno Grant co-host Plastic Labs has built systems allowing AIs to self-custody wallets and participate in DAOs, laying groundwork for autonomous financial agents. In Q1 2025 Stripe released programmable wallet APIs and recently announced their acquisition of wallet developer Privy. Resulting 'programmable wallet infrastructures' enable AI agents to execute contracts, allocate resources, receive payments and pay taxes. Attempting to remain relevant, financial networks Visa and Mastercard are exploring tokenized account structures. An audience member queries S.A.N following Xeno Grant's Demo Day. The primate-styled symbient ... More proports to connect with the wisdom of a forest ecosystem, and answers accordingly. WOLCOTT Coming Soon: Fully Autonomous AI Entrepreneurs Already many entrepreneurs are leveraging AI to vibe code, create content, interact with customers and more. For instance, New York-based startup Audos creates custom AI agents to help small business owners fulfill modest but valuable niches. From here it's a small step toward AI founders. Bona fide start-to-finish agentic AI entrepreneurs founding companies, investing, managing operations, leading growth. We're not there yet, but we're trending this direction. There's much work to do. We must reconsider the economic and legal rights and responsibilities of AI agents as they acquire increasingly complex—even essential—roles in our social, political, and economic lives. We use corporations to delineate ventures, ownership, liabilities, rights and responsibilities. AIs forming and operating C-corps or LLCs seems plausible. Should they be given rights as full legal owners? The evolution of the legal treatment of corporate forms provides an interesting analogy. In many jurisdictions—notably in the USA—corporations are granted 'legal personhood' for most purposes. Jurisprudence may evolve similarly for AI entities. Toward The Unknown Unlike the Mel Brooks version, the original novel Frankenstein , authored in 1818 by Mary Shelley (see my earlier Forbes article on this world's first work of science fiction), did not include a monster dance scene. It confronted humanity with a Biblical sense of creation. It's where we stand today. Let's hope we cope better than the original Dr. Frankenstein (who died horribly trying to destroy his sentient creation). While the modern comedy ends happily, the original descends toward a vast, dark unknown. As Dr. Frankenstein admonishes, 'Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.' I prefer the comedy. Image of Dr. Frankenstein from Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" ... More revised edition of 1831. Wikimedia Commons
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Josh Gad Teases ‘Spaceballs 2' As a "Celebration" of Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks as Yogurt in 'Spaceballs' Josh Gad can vividly remember the first time he fell to the floor in a fit of uncontrollable laughter. It occurred more than three decades ago during his first viewing of the Mel Brooks comedy classic, Young Frankenstein — particularly the iconic 'Puttin On the Ritz' sequence between Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his monstrous creation (Peter Boyle). 'That euphoria I felt, that joy I felt for this crazy form of comedy that is so unique,' Gad (Frozen, The Book of Mormon) says over Zoom while discussing his new partnership with Amazon Kindle Kids. 'It is neither a spoof nor a parody, but uses all of those elements and somehow becomes as authentic to the said genre as any of the other movies. Meaning, I think you can put Young Frankenstein up there with the greatest monster movies. I think you can put Blazing Saddles up there with the greatest Westerns. It's not just a parody. It's a living, breathing monster movie. It's a living, breathing Western." Gad, who proudly describes himself as 'a student of Mel Brooks' is currently working alongside the master to realize the long-awaited sequel to Spaceballs. Currently slated for an exclusive theatrical debut sometime in 2027, the film will be directed by Josh Greenbaum (Strays, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar). 'With Spaceballs, Mel will tell you the actual story was not inspired by Star Wars, but by It Happened One Night,' explains Gad, who co-wrote the script with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit. 'I love becoming not only a student of Mel Brooks films, but a student of Mel's. Getting to work hand-in-hand with him has been one of the great thrills of my life and for the last three years, we have just spent every waking hour perfecting the script, making sure it's worthy of everyone's anticipation. I think we all finally feel really excited and thrilled with what we're bringing to the table.' HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: (L-R) Mel Brooks, Josh Gad and Isabella Eve Gad attend the ... More "Spaceballs" screening during the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 21, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo byfor TCM) Spaceballs 2 (here's hoping it really is subtitled 'The Search for More Money') recently dropped a deluge of exciting updates, including the news that Brooks, Bill Pullman, and Rick Moranis would all reprise their famous roles as Yogurt, Lone Starr, and Dark Helmet, respectively. The inclusion of Moranis is a massive get for the project, considering how the actor retired from Hollywood years ago to raise a family after his wife passed. Just as impressive is Brooks stepping back into the shoes of Yogurt (his merchandising Yoda spoof), just a year away from his hundredth birthday. The man's still got it! Fresh faces to the goofy galaxy far, far away include Keke Palmer (Nope) and Pullman's own son, Lewis (Thunderbolts*). In addition, distributor Amazon MGM Studios released a teaser trailer that poked fun at just how massive the Star Wars universe — and, by extension, Hollywood's obsession with mining IP — has become since 1987. 'I can't say much. What I can tell you is [that] if you love Mel Brooks, I think you're gonna love this movie,' promises Gad. 'It's not only a celebration of Spaceballs, it really is a celebration of Mel and the entirety of his career. We're hyper-aware of the many legacy sequels and, in particular, comedy sequels that have not worked. We have studied those as much as we've studied the great movies, just to understand why certain things don't work and really commit to (hopefully) surprising audience with the expectation of, 'Oh, my God! This is so much better than I thought it would be!' At the end of the day, I think that's the goal we all have in mind and so far, we're feeling good about that. We're feeling really good.' As our Zoom call winds to a close, I probe the actor for an update on the next chapter in Disney's Frozen franchise, whose third entry will also hit theaters in 2027. Echoing comments recently made by Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Mouse House animation, Gad (one again voicing the happy-go-lucky snowman, Olaf) confirms that Frozen 3 is the first part of a larger story spread across two movies. 'They're keeping us in the dark so much, because I'm sure that they are so afraid one of us will spill the beans in an interview like this,' Gad concludes. 'So thankfully, I can't tell you anything, because I literally can't tell you anything. But what I can say is, with the limited things I know and what I've seen, I am so excited. You never want to do a sequel if it doesn't have a reason to exist and this is one of those movies that is taking the amount of time it's taking because [director Jennifer Lee] and company organically found not only a story worth telling, but a story worth telling in two parts. It's so ambitious, so fun, and so unbelievably exciting, [that] I think it's gonna be worth the wait."
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Brad Garrett explains tragic reason why ‘Everybody Loves Raymond' reboot will never happen
Brad Garrett wants 'Everybody Loves Raymond' to stay a thing of the past. The actor, 65, shut down the possibility of a reboot of the Ray Romano sitcom at the premiere of Disney Pixar's 'Elio' in Los Angeles on June 10. 9 Brad Garrett at the 'Elio' premiere at El Capitan Theatre on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. WireImage 'There won't be,' Garrett told People. 'And I'm just saying that because that's something that Ray and Phil [Rosenthal, the show's creator] have always said.' Garrett explained that a reboot can't happen without late stars Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, who played Ray's parents. 9 The cast of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' in 2002. CBS 9 Peter Boyle, Brad Garrett and Doris Roberts in 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' CBS 'There is no show without the parents. They were the catalyst, and to do anything that would resemble that wouldn't be right to the audiences or to the loyal fan base,' Garrett said. 'And it was about those two families, and you can't get around that,' he added. 9 Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts in the series finale of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' in 2005. CBS Despite not wanting a reboot, Garrett said he's still 'very grateful' for getting to star in the iconic sitcom. '30 years later, I got very lucky to get on that bus. I'm very grateful,' he said. 'Everybody Loves Raymond' aired on CBS for nine seasons from 1996 to 2005. 9 Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts, Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Brad Garrett in 'Everbody Loves Raymond.' CBS The show, which won 15 Emmy Awards, centered on Italian American sports writer Ray Barone (Romano) and his family including wife Debra (Patricia Heaton), brother Robert (Garrett), mom Marie (Roberts) and dad Frank (Boyle). Roberts died on April 17, 2016, at age 90, while Boyle passed away on December 12, 2006, at age 71. 9 Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts, Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, and Monica Horan in 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' CBS 9 The 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast at the 2005 Emmy Awards. Last year, Romano, 67, told Yahoo! Entertainment that he's not keen on an 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reboot. 'I'm just a little protective of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' just because it was very personal to me,' he explained. 'I mean, it was based on my life and I was such a part of the creative side of it and all.' But Romano noted that he doesn't mind that other countries like India have adapted his hit series. 9 Ray Romano, Peter Boyle and Brad Garrett. AP 'I actually like that it's rebooted there because it just shows how other cultures — we're all the same,' he shared. 'So it's good to see them appreciate it.' In a separate Dec. 2024 interview, Romano revealed that he successfully 'forced' himself to rewatch 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' 9 Madlyin Sweeten, Monica Horan, Sawyer Sweeten, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Ray Romano, Patricial Heaton, Peter Boyle, Sullivan Sweeten in 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' CBS 'Back then, 20 years ago, I was quite critical of it, close to it,' he said. 'I did it. I was there. I saw how the butter was made or whatever the saying is. Being removed from it now, I appreciated it.' 'I was able to say, 'You know what, we did something pretty good,'' Romano added.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Everybody Loves Raymond' Star Brad Garrett Says the Sitcom Will ‘Never' Be Rebooted: ‘There Is No Show Without the Parents'
Brad Garrett is shutting down rumors of an 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' While at the premiere of Disney Pixar's 'Elio' on June 10, Garrett spoke with People magazine about whether the sitcom would be rebooted. The actor, who played Ray Romano's brother in the series, confirmed that there won't be a revival of the show after speaking with Romano and Philip Rosenthal, the show's creator. More from Variety Brad Garrett Signs with Gersh for Voiceover Representation (EXCLUSIVE) Ray Romano Says Reviving 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Is 'Out of the Question': Reboots Are 'Never as Good' Patricia Arquette Sets the Tone for Noisy, Chaotic PI Comedy 'High Desert': TV Review Garrett said that the main reason behind the decision is because of the death of Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, two actors who played Romano's parents in the show. 'There is no show without the parents,' Garrett said. 'They were the catalyst, and to do anything that would resemble that wouldn't be right to the audiences or the loyal fan base. And it was about those two families, and you can't get around that.' Premiering in 1996, 'Everybody Loves Raymond' starred comedian Romano, who played Ray Barone, a sports columnist who lived in Long Island with his wife and three kids. As a family man, the show followed him as he navigated dealing with a resentful brother and meddling parents who lived across the street. Garrett received five Emmy Award nominations for his role on the show, in which he won three for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series. During the sitcom's nine seasons, it was nominated for 69 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 15 of them. When reflecting on his experience acting on 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' Garrett expressed his gratitude for being a part of the show. 'I know [the reboot] won't happen, but 30 years later, I got very lucky to get on that bus,' he said. 'I'm very grateful.' Although a reboot isn't planned, all 210 episodes of the show are available for streaming on Peacock and Paramount+. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Everybody Loves Raymond' Star Brad Garrett Says the Sitcom Will ‘Never' Be Rebooted: ‘There Is No Show Without the Parents'
Brad Garrett is shutting down rumors of an 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' While at the premiere of Disney Pixar's 'Elio' on June 10, Garrett spoke with People magazine about whether the sitcom would be rebooted. The actor, who played Ray Romano's brother in the series, confirmed that there won't be a revival of the show after speaking with Romano and Philip Rosenthal, the show's creator. More from Variety Brad Garrett Signs with Gersh for Voiceover Representation (EXCLUSIVE) Ray Romano Says Reviving 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Is 'Out of the Question': Reboots Are 'Never as Good' Patricia Arquette Sets the Tone for Noisy, Chaotic PI Comedy 'High Desert': TV Review Garrett said that the main reason behind the decision is because of the death of Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, two actors who played Romano's parents in the show. 'There is no show without the parents,' Garrett said. 'They were the catalyst, and to do anything that would resemble that wouldn't be right to the audiences or the loyal fan base. And it was about those two families, and you can't get around that.' Premiering in 1996, 'Everybody Loves Raymond' starred comedian Romano, who played Ray Barone, a sports columnist who lived in Long Island with his wife and three kids. As a family man, the show followed him as he navigated dealing with a resentful brother and meddling parents who lived across the street. Garrett received five Emmy Award nominations for his role on the show, in which he won three for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series. During the sitcom's nine seasons, it was nominated for 69 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 15 of them. When reflecting on his experience acting on 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' Garrett expressed his gratitude for being a part of the show. 'I know [the reboot] won't happen, but 30 years later, I got very lucky to get on that bus,' he said. 'I'm very grateful.' Although a reboot isn't planned, all 210 episodes of the show are available for streaming on Peacock and Paramount+. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
