MEDICOM TOY is releasing a prop-size figure of HAL 9000, the artificial intelligence from the landmark sci-fi film '2001: A Space Odyssey' (scheduled for release in May 2022).
OPENERS has already published an article detailing the process of recreating the lens located in the center of the main unit, as a first report (The Ultimate HAL 9000 from '2001: A Space Odyssey' Becomes a Product. What Was the Difficult Journey?). With the release imminent, we will now focus on the newly revealed "Interactive Talking Function".

'2001: A Space Odyssey,' directed by Stanley Kubrick, was released in 1968. The film, which realistically visualized human activity in space prior to the Apollo 11 mission (July 20, 1969) – humanity's first manned lunar landing – continues to influence many people even after half a century.

Among the many futuristic depictions, the most memorable was "HAL 9000," installed on the spaceship Discovery, bound for Jupiter. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is gradually being integrated into our daily lives now, but at the time of '2001: A Space Odyssey's' production, it was still a technology of the distant future, with the most advanced achievement being a computer, the IBM 1961, successfully singing the popular song "Daisy Bell" via voice synthesis (this experiment is said to have influenced the film's climax).

In the film, "HAL 9000" is depicted as an advanced computer capable of controlling the Discovery spaceship during its exploration mission, while also managing the crew's health and engaging in conversation as a communication partner. The voice of "HAL 9000," performed by Douglas Rain, known for his Shakespearean roles, provided a sense of calm to the crew, who were physically and mentally exhausted from the long journey, while simultaneously expressing the tension created by its non-human nature.

In creating the ultimate "HAL 9000," based on the prop model used in filming, MEDICOM TOY focused on the voice function as much as the recreation of the lens.

As you may know, obtaining permission for the commercialization of Kubrick's works has been difficult due to complex rights issues. MEDICOM TOY, which had been pursuing commercialization for many years, first released an item from '2001: A Space Odyssey' in 2017 with the "MAFEX SPACE SUIT ORANGE Ver./YELLOW Ver.". Fans worldwide rejoiced at being able to obtain an exquisitely detailed action figure at an affordable price, a memory that is still fresh.

Five years later, for the development of this "ultimate HAL 9000," MEDICOM TOY made efforts to obtain permission from Douglas Rain for the use of his voice. However, as he passed away in 2018 and due to the wishes of his bereaved family, the voice used in the film unfortunately could not be used.

Although the release was initially considered with the voice unit omitted, it was ultimately decided that a product without sound was inconceivable. Therefore, it has been realized as a recreation using simulated audio. We hope that those who purchase this item will enjoy it, including this backstory.

Seeing is believing. First, let's listen to the actual simulated audio of the interactive talking function.

What do you think? This is the ultimate model, meticulously recreated to be true to the original, with its iconic red light capable of illumination using a specially constructed lens. It can be hung on a wall just like in the film, and with the included dedicated display base, its potential as an interior decoration expands. Experience the grand epic that Kubrick left for the future in your own hands.

PROP SIZE HAL 9000
Sculptor｜PERFECT-STUDIO
Size｜Approx. 346mm in height
Price｜¥162,800 (tax included)
Materials｜Body & Base: ABS, Aluminum Frame, Magnets. Lens Part: Acrylic.Batteries sold separately (4 x D batteries)
Release Date｜Scheduled for release in May 2022 at all MEDICOM TOY direct stores and all online stores.
The sample shown is a prototype under supervision. The actual product may differ slightly.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY and all related characters and elements ©️ & ™️ Turner Entertainment Co. (s22)