Did Marvel use AI for Thunderbolts poster? Controversy explained

As a long-time Marvel fan with a keen eye for detail, I can’t help but feel a mix of amusement and disappointment when it comes to the recent Thunderbolts poster controversy. On one hand, it’s fascinating to see technology evolving to the point where AI is used in movie production, even if it’s just for posters. On the other hand, as someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of traditional art and photography, I can understand why some fans might be upset about potential job losses in those fields.


Could it be that the intricate detail on the latest Thunderbolts poster has sparked speculation among fans, leading them to assume that AI technology was employed in its creation? Yet, could this assumption be misguided?

Movie studios occasionally employ AI in their productions, which often stirs up debate among viewers. For instance, Lionsgate utilized this technology in the trailer for Megalopolis, only to later remove it. Similarly, Late Night With the Devil incorporated AI into its final cut.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that even superheroes aren’t immune to mistakes! It appears Marvel may have slipped up with their latest Thunderbolts poster. Fans have been quick to spot an error, and I must admit, it’s intriguing.

However, was this seemingly unusual aspect an unintentional error or was it intentional, perhaps even using AI for creating the cast photo? Let’s delve into what we currently understand about the situation.

Marvel fans spot an extra appendage in Thunderbolts poster

On September 23rd, when the latest Thunderbolts photo was released, some eagle-eyed fans noticed an additional digit on Sentry’s hand.

In the image, you’ll notice Sentry positioned at the lower-left corner. His raised hand appears to have six digits rather than the usual five, if you take a close look.

Fans of Marvel swiftly pointed out an error in the Thunderbolts movie poster, with one user commenting on Twitter, “Thunderbolts movie poster featuring a fake AI hand. Well done, Marvel, we understand you’re running short on effort but wow, that’s poor quality.

Thunderbolts Movie Poster with AI fake hand. GG Marvel we know you’re low effort but holy shit.

— Heel vs Babyface (@heelvsbabyface) September 23, 2024

Another commented, “Ugh… AI art fail… Bob having six fingers on his right hand is unacceptable… c’mon. @Marvel Do Better!”

A different supporter commented, “It seems Marvel is employing AI for their posters, but why does Bob appear to have six digits on one hand??

There’s been a fair amount of discontent among followers, as some speculate that artificial intelligence might have been employed in its creation. The concern is that such technology could potentially replace human artists and photographers in their work. However, it’s unclear if the artwork in question was indeed produced using AI.

Did Marvel use AI on Thunderbolts cast photo?

As a gamer putting on my detective hat, I’d say, “Nah, it wasn’t some sneaky AI trick behind that Thunderbolts poster. The extra digit you spotted? Just a careful edit job, probably due to some tight deadlines.

In the photo, due to everyone being cramped together, spectators mistook a portion of Sentry’s pinky as an extra finger. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that what they thought was the sixth finger is actually part of his pinky, with its middle section being cropped out of the frame by the tight quarters.

One Marvel fan went so far as to draw how Sentry’s hand would look if it wasn’t edited out of frame and it completely solves the extra appendage debate.

It seems hard to accept, but I must clarify that the Thunderbolts are not artificial intelligence; rather, it appears your mind is merely creating illusions.

— Aya Unleashed 🏳️‍🌈 (@AyaBleddyn) September 23, 2024

It’s not surprising that many fans were misled by the AI rumor regarding Marvel’s movie posters, given that the studio has openly used such technology in other ventures. After all, it wouldn’t be out of character for them to incorporate advanced tech into their promotional materials.

Marvel’s history with AI usage explained

Marvel Studios employed Artificial Intelligence to design the opening sequence for the miniseries, Secret Invasion.

Rather than displaying real photographs or video clips featuring actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Olivia Colman, or Emilia Clarke, the credits opt to present AI-created visuals depicting cityscapes, UFOs, outer space, etc. instead.

In a conversation with Polygon, Secret Invasion director and executive producer Ali Selim openly acknowledged utilizing AI for the credit sequence. He explained, “When we connected with the AI providers, it seemed fitting – it was reminiscent of the Skrull world’s ability to change identities, you know? The question of ‘Who did this?’ and ‘Who is this?’ aligns perfectly with the Skrulls’ shape-shifting nature.

In conversations, we’d discuss concepts, motifs, and vocabulary with it, and then the system would take some action. Later, we could tweak it slightly by using different words, and it would adapt accordingly.

In the Marvel series, although advanced technology was employed, Method Studios, the firm responsible for the AI tool, asserted to The Hollywood Reporter that no artists’ positions were taken over by integrating these modern tools. Instead, they functioned as aids, enhancing and supporting our creative teams.

Read More

2024-09-24 19:18