On Wednesday, BBC Maestro — a platform akin to Masterclass — introduced a fresh writing course featuring none other than Agatha Christie, the most successful novelist in history. There’s just one catch: Christie has been gone for 50 years.

To resurrect the iconic mystery author’s voice, BBC Maestro utilized a blend of artificial intelligence and an actress. Drawing from Christie’s books, interviews, and personal correspondence, the course seeks to authentically embody her writing philosophy. Named Agatha Christie On Writing, the course is now accessible and is being marketed as a “world-first” by its creators.

However, the launch ignited immediate debate. Critics promptly labeled the initiative a “deepfake,” raising worries about the ethical ramifications of employing AI to simulate deceased individuals.

Nevertheless, BBC Maestro is underscoring the authenticity and diligence behind the initiative. The course was crafted in partnership with the Christie estate and involved nearly 100 contributors — among them academics, researchers, creative professionals, and prominent Agatha Christie scholars — over a span of two years. According to an official announcement, the team diligently examined Christie’s spoken and written expressions to ensure the course accurately captures her teachings.

The course aims to instruct budding writers on the secrets behind Christie’s skill in suspense, plot twists, and memorable characters. Yet, the incorporation of AI in creative fields remains a contentious topic. Numerous artists and creatives have expressed concerns regarding the escalating trend of digitally reviving public figures, independent of intent.

The discourse pivots on the definition of a “deepfake.” According to a 2024 BBC Newsround article, deepfakes are AI-generated videos, images, or audio that are meant to seem real. While they can serve purposes in entertainment or research, they are frequently linked to deception and misuse — especially when produced without consent.

In this instance, Christie obviously could not provide consent herself. However, her estate played a vital role from the outset. James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson and the chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., collaborated closely with BBC Maestro throughout the endeavor.

Both Prichard and BBC Maestro contest the “deepfake” designation. In a comment to Mashable, Prichard articulated, “What we have created is a course that distills my great-grandmother’s brilliant craft into a straightforward and accessible format. This isn’t a fake. The words are Christie’s own, meticulously sourced by researchers. As a family, we approached the project with utmost care and respect, with the overarching goal of honoring my great-grandmother and sharing her vast talent and process with the world.”

BBC Maestro CEO Michael Levine mirrored this sentiment, stressing that the project was conducted with ethics, transparency, and deep reverence for Christie’s legacy. “The term ‘deepfake’ usually pertains to unauthorized, often malicious content,” Levine stated. “That is absolutely not what we’re doing.”

Levine also underscored the participation of four world-famous Christie scholars who assisted in crafting the course script using Christie’s original words. An actress subsequently executed the role with full understanding of how the material would be employed — solely within the framework of the course.

Despite the caution exercised, the use of AI to recreate Christie has faced criticism from skeptics who regard such efforts as concerning instances of AI overreach. Still, for enthusiasts and aspiring writers, the chance to “learn directly” from one of literature’s most accomplished authors may be too enticing to overlook.

Whether you view it as a respectful homage or a contentious application of technology, one thing is evident: BBC Maestro’s Agatha Christie writing course is pioneering new territory.