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Your favorite Christmas movies — reimagined in the year 2082

MMM DD YYYYWORDS BY MICHAEL LIE

Christmas is a time for tradition — it's also a time for imagination. With the help of artificial intelligence, we re-envision classic holiday movies with an exciting, futuristic twist.

From an intergalactic “Christmas Carol,” to reimagined takes on The Grinch, we offer a glimpse into what the future of Christmas storytelling might look like. 

 

So get ready to deck the halls with a little AI magic as we celebrate the festive season.

 

Home Alone (1990)
/imagine…

In this updated children’s thriller, Home Alone depicts the adventure of a boy named Kevin McCallister. When Kevin is accidentally left behind while his family goes on vacation — he must defend his futuristic home against bumbling burglars using his wits and a range of advanced gadgets and gizmos.

 

From smart drones and laser turrets, to chimerical holographic displays, Kevin proves to be a formidable opponent as he outsmarts the villains at every turn. Along the way, he learns the importance of self-reliance, as well as the joy of being home alone.

 

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
/imagine…

The story is set in the year 2197, Ebenezer Scrooge is a successful, yet lonely space travel entrepreneur (remind you of anyone?), living and working on a state-of-the-art spacecraft that orbits the earth.

 

As the holiday season approaches, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future — each appearing as holographic projections. The ghosts show Scrooge how his actions and decisions have affected those around him, both in the past and in the future.

 

As Scrooge grapples with what he has learned, he must now confront the mistakes of his past and choose to embrace a better future. 

 

The Grinch (2018)
/imagine…

In the year 2282, the Grinch — incensed at the thought of having to endure another festive season filled with carolers, gifts, and holiday cheer — has returned to his old ways, determined to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville once and for all. 

 

However, as he carries out his scheme, the Grinch begins to realize that the true meaning of Christmas is not about material possessions or causing mischief, but about love and joy. 

 

Will the Grinch have a change of heart and return all his stolen items, or will he continue with his selfish ways? 

 

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
/imagine…

In this version of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the world of Narnia is a high-tech, dystopian landscape. The White Witch, a powerful sorceress, has seized control of the land and plunged it into eternal winter using magic-enhanced technology. 

 

The few remaining creatures who have not been turned to stone by the Witch's dark magic live in fear of her rule, cowering in underground shelters and hidden strongholds. When four siblings from our world are transported to Narnia through a mysterious, futuristic wardrobe, they find themselves caught up in a rebellion against the Witch. 

 

Accompanied by the wise and mighty lion Aslan, they set out on a journey to gather the magical artefacts and allies needed to defeat the Witch and her army of robotic beasts. As they journey through the frozen wasteland, they encounter talking animals, fauns, and other magical creatures who have joined the rebellion.

 

They must use all of their cunning and bravery to evade the Witch's forces and reach their destination... 

 

Edward Scissorhands (1990)
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The titular character in the updated Edward Scissorhands is a cyborg built by a brilliant scientist in a distant, futuristic world.

 

Despite his exceptional abilities, he is ostracized and misunderstood by those around him. As Edward navigates this strange new world, he must confront the challenges and prejudices that come with being a cyborg.

 

But when a group of rebels discover Edward's true potential, they recruit him to join their cause and overthrow the oppressive government that controls their society. With the help of his new friends, Edward utilizes his unique skills and talents to fight for a better future.

 

Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
/imagine…

In this futuristic version of Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington is no longer the Pumpkin King of HalloweenTown. Instead, he is a high-tech vigilante, prowling the frenetic streets of a sprawling metropolis as he searches for trouble to solve.

 

As Jack takes on the city's criminal underworld, he is aided by a cast of bizarre, robot-like creatures, and by his sleek, all-around cybernetic suit.

 

This updated take offers a new spin on this classic story, with action, adventure, and a blend of Gothic and futuristic elements.

 

The Polar Express (2004)
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In this modernized retelling of the classic holiday tale, the Polar Express takes passengers to the North Pole through a journey unlike any other. With state-of-the-art technology and holiday magic at every turn, this train is a true marvel of engineering.

 

From immersive VR entertainment experiences, to advanced culinary delights, the passengers are treated to all kinds of amenities and attractions as they travel to the North Pole. 

 

Upon arriving at the destination, they are greeted by a bustling futuristic city filled with surprises and delights. 

 

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
/imagine…

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a heartwarming tale set in a hectic, futuristic city. 

 

Charlie Brown, feeling lost and alone in the sea of technology and commercialism, is reminded of the true meaning of the holiday season by a gigantic mushroom-shaped Christmas tree standing in the middle of the city.

 

With the help of his Peanuts friends, Charlie Brown learns to embrace the spirit of Christmas in this neon-lit metropolis.