Marvel firmly denies AI allegations over ‘Fantastic Four’ poster amid online backlash

Marvel Studios released poster for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Following intense scrutiny on social media Tuesday morning, Marvel Studios firmly denied claims that artificial intelligence played any role in designing the newly released poster for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

After months of secrecy, the studio finally dropped the highly anticipated first trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, receiving widespread enthusiasm from fans. However, excitement quickly turned to controversy when sharp-eyed social media users began pointing out odd visual inconsistencies in a promotional poster released alongside the teaser. Some noted that certain characters appeared to have only four fingers, while others spotted duplicate facial features, such as two women sharing an identical face.

These observations sparked a wave of speculation across platforms like X and Bluesky, with users accusing Marvel of opting for AI-generated artwork instead of commissioning human artists. Despite the accusations, a Marvel representative told TheWrap that AI was not involved in creating the posters.

The swift backlash comes at a time when the entertainment industry is facing growing criticism over AI integration in creative projects. Recent films like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil have faced scrutiny for allegedly incorporating AI elements. Marvel Studios itself was embroiled in controversy in 2023 when it used AI to generate the opening credits for Secret Invasion, a Disney+ series starring Samuel L. Jackson.

In this instance, however, Marvel maintains that the concerns surrounding its Fantastic Four posters are unfounded.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to premiere in theaters on July 25.