Michael Jackson wasn't just the King of Pop—he may have also been an accidental pioneer of artificial intelligence. From the groundbreaking music video for "Black or White" to the futuristic visuals of "Scream," Jackson's work pushed the boundaries of visual effects, creating what were essentially early laboratories for the kind of generative AI we see today.
At the time, achieving those effects required massive teams from Industrial Light & Magic and budgets in the millions. Now, tools like Sora, Runway, and Veo can replicate—and even surpass—that level of visual magic with a few clicks. But there's a paradox: when everyone can create the impossible, does it still feel special?
This video explores Jackson's legacy as an unwitting catalyst for AI-powered creativity, and asks viewers to consider what they would do with such power.