The co-creater of Halt and Catch Fire (great series!) Christopher Cantwell recently tweeted “I’m writing a new Max Headroom series for @AMC_TV” . Originally introduced in 1985 as the British TV movie Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future. In short, Max was a fictional reporter fleeing enemies in a parking garage on a motorcycle that crashed through the structure’s warning sign that reads “Max. Headroom 2.3 meters. For an interesting, detailed report on Max Headroom’s history see this Youtube video.G
Max Headroom was an artificially intelligent character created by George Stone, Annabel Jankel, and Rocky Morton for Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. Advertised as computer-generated, Max Headroom was played by actor Matt Frewer while wearing prosthetic make-up and wearing a plastic molded suit. Harsh lighting while sitting in front of a blue screen, gave viewers the illusion of artificial intelligence that was not possible at the time.
Max Headroom was featured by HBO and Cinemax and also replaced Bill Cosby as the spokesman for New Coke. Ironically when Marty McFly went to the 80’s Cafe in Back To The Future II it featured an artificial intelligent portrayal of Michael Jackson and President Ronald Reagan here in this YouTube clip. But Back To The Future II sponsor this time was Pepsi!
I’m certain technology has caught up with the idea and can replace the actor but AMC said Matt Frewer will return as the host.
Here is a clip from Youtube from the 1986 Mox Headroom show featuring an interview with Howie Mandel (while he still had hair!) >
