A former Disney Channel star is facing intense backlash after unveiling an app that allows users to speak with AI-generated versions of deceased loved ones — a technology that many online critics have labeled “demonic,” “vile,” and disturbingly similar to an episode of Black Mirror.
Calum Worthy, the Canadian actor best known for his role on Disney’s hit series Austin & Ally from 2011 to 2016, posted a promotional video for his new app 2wai last week on X. The clip went viral almost instantly, amassing more than 40 million views and prompting a wave of fierce criticism from users who argued that the technology crosses serious ethical boundaries. The advertisement boldly declares, “With 2wai, three minutes can last forever,” claiming the app can use only three minutes of video to create shockingly realistic AI avatars of friends, family members — or anyone else.
The app is currently free to download on the Apple App Store, with an Android launch on the way, and offers several paid features for users who want more advanced capabilities. These include crafting avatars that are capable of real-time conversations, synchronized lip movements, and expressive facial animations designed to mimic human behavior.
In the video, a pregnant woman uses 2wai to talk to an avatar of her dead mother.2wai
Almost immediately, however, social media erupted with claims that the technology is harmful, manipulative, and emotionally dangerous — particularly for people who are grieving. “Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription and never talk to your dead parents again?” one user wrote, mocking what they imagine could be future dark psychological pressure tactics. “You are a psychopath. Get help. Stop building products before you really hurt someone.”
2wai said three minutes of footage is enough to create an AI avatar of a family member or friend.2wai
Another critic slammed the app for interfering with the grieving process: “Death and loss are a normal part of life. You’re creating dependent and lobotomized adults by doing this. Actually vile.” Many worried that the immersive, emotionally charged avatars could destabilize vulnerable users, potentially leading to psychosis or suicidal ideation if the line between reality and simulation becomes blurred.
Critics blasted the app as dangerous and exploitative, arguing it could do serious mental harm to grieving people. 2wai
Some complaints became even more visceral. “Demonic, dishonest, and dehumanizing,” one person raged. “If I die and you put words in my mouth, I will curse you for all eternity. My value dies with me. I’m not a f–king avatar.” Others responded with memes that captured the eerie discomfort the app stirred, including the now-viral “man-made horrors beyond my comprehension” Family Guy image.
A recurring theme of the backlash was the uncanny resemblance to Season 2, Episode 1 of Black Mirror, titled “Be Right Back,” in which a grieving woman recreates her deceased boyfriend using AI. “This was literally a Black Mirror episode,” one user wrote. “I hate when people say that, but it is quite specifically that episode.”
Calum Worthy (left) in the Disney show “Austin & Ally.”©Disney Channel/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
Despite the uproar, Worthy and 2wai co-founder Russell Geyser — a Hollywood producer — insist their company aims to offer a safe and transparent platform for AI likenesses. They argue the technology is primarily intended to let celebrities create controlled AI chatbots that can communicate with fans while avoiding inappropriate or harmful interactions. “We saw an urgent need for creators and individuals to have agency over their own likeness — with their own avatars to use AI to amplify their voice, not replace it,” Worthy told Variety earlier this year.
The actor, who also starred in Hulu’s The Act, revealed that 2wai has raised $5 million in pre-seed funding from friends and family. In addition to creating avatars of others, the app allows users to build highly personalized “digital twins” — described as a “HoloAvatar” that looks, speaks, and even claims to share the user’s memories. Worthy said he uses his own AI avatar as a “living diary,” feeding it personal stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his Disney days so it can share them with fans.
Calum Worthy has an AI avatar of himself available on 2wai.
The app also includes a library of pre-made characters, such as a William Shakespeare chatbot and fictional personalities like Celest the astrologist and Darius the personal trainer. Worthy and Geyser describe their vision as nothing less than the creation of “a living archive of humanity, one story at a time,” though critics argue the company may be treading on ethically treacherous ground.
(Sources: Variety, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, BBC)
