Ashton Kutcher, the 47-year-old actor and entrepreneur, brought attention to the controversial anti-aging industry during a panel discussion at the New York Comic Con. He revealed insights related to his upcoming sci-fi series, The Beauty, which explores a fictional drug promising eternal youth at a dire cost: the user will explode 850 days after administration. Kutcher plays a villain in the series, portraying a tech entrepreneur eager to profit from such a dangerous product.
At the panel, series creator Ryan Murphy disclosed that Kutcher was the first actor he approached for the project. Kutcher expressed immediate interest, stating, “Oh, wow. There are people that are trying to do this.” This comment led him to delve deeper into the cosmetic and healthcare industries, particularly the implications of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s, including Ozempic. He noted the potential for this market to become “multi-trillion dollar,” highlighting that several companies are currently amassing billions in funding for similar ventures.
While Kutcher did not identify any specific companies or individuals, he hinted that some of the world’s wealthiest people are backing these initiatives. Murphy added a touch of humor to the session, suggesting that “we all know who has done work,” which elicited laughter from the audience.
Shifting the conversation to genetic engineering, Kutcher claimed that certain enterprises are actively developing technologies to genetically modify embryos. “There are some people that are building companies that are, like, genetically modifying babies, pre-birth, to make them the optimal versions of themselves,” he stated. He explained that these companies are focusing on correcting severe genetic disorders, but the capability exists to target genes for desired traits as well.
Emerging Trends in Health and Beauty
In addition to discussing the ethical implications of genetic manipulation, Kutcher highlighted the rise of international health tourism, particularly through companies like Essos. He pointed out the financial burdens many Americans face regarding cosmetic procedures, which often leads them to seek cheaper alternatives abroad. “Because it costs so much to get these surgeries in the United States, people are traveling to countries like Turkey,” he explained.
According to Essos, over 2 million Americans are projected to travel abroad in 2025 for various medical procedures, including plastic surgery and dental work. The company aims to connect patients with vetted healthcare professionals, addressing the risks associated with traveling for treatment without proper guidance.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Kutcher’s comments shed light on the intersection of technology, ethics, and the quest for beauty. The Beauty is set to premiere in early 2026 on FX, and it promises to provoke thought about the lengths to which individuals and corporations might go in pursuit of eternal youth.
