Marvel Denies AI Use in Fantastic Four Poster, But Fans Aren’t Convinced – Is It Just Bad Photoshop or Something Bigger?

Marvel Faces Backlash Over Alleged AI-Generated Fantastic Four Poster

A promotional poster for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" has sparked controversy, with fans accusing Marvel Studios of using artificial intelligence (AI) instead of hiring human artists.

The debate erupted after sharp-eyed social media users noticed distorted hands and unnatural details, leading to widespread claims that the artwork was AI-generated.

Fans Criticise Poster for Alleged AI Use

The poster, featuring a crowd of cheering fans in a retro-futuristic style, quickly became the centre of discussion as users on platforms like X and Bluesky pointed out anomalies.

Critics highlighted disfigured hands, missing fingers, and duplicated elements—common signs of AI-generated imagery.

One social media user remarked,

"Marvel loses all goodwill for an okay looking trailer for F4 by using AI slop in the poster."

Others questioned why a multi-billion-dollar studio would opt for AI instead of employing professional artists, arguing that it diminishes creative opportunities in the industry.

Music and culture writer Ted Gioia added to the criticism, stating,

"Using AI to make the poster? Hollywood really has gone to war with creatives."

Even those who praised the film’s trailer expressed disappointment, frustrated that AI may have been used for promotional material instead of original artwork.

Marvel Studios Responds to Accusations

As the backlash grew, with many accusing Marvel of replacing human creatives with AI, the studio was forced to respond.

According to TheWrap, a Marvel spokeperson has confirmed that “AI was not used in the creation of these posters.”

Despite the official denial, some fans remained unconvinced, continuing to argue that the flaws in the artwork were too similar to those typically found in AI-generated imagery.

Others suggested that the oddities in the hands were more likely the result of rushed Photoshop work rather than AI.

The debate has led to growing concerns over the role of AI in the entertainment industry and its potential to replace human artists, with many expressing disappointment at Marvel's decision to possibly experiment with AI in such a high-profile project.

Industry-Wide Concerns Over AI in Film

The "Fantastic Four" poster isn’t the first instance of AI-related controversy in the entertainment industry.

In January 2025, Academy Award contenders "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Perez" faced criticism for incorporating AI to enhance voice performances.

The debate echoes the 2023 Hollywood strikes, where both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA fought for protections against AI’s role in content creation.

Actor Nicolas Cage has been vocal about his opposition to AI's growing presence in filmmaking, urging fellow actors and creatives to safeguard the integrity of their craft.

He reiterated his stance at the recent 52nd annual Saturn Awards, stressing the importance of preserving human artistry in the industry.

“It’s a dead end if an actor lets one AI robot manipulate his or her performance. An inch will eventually become a mile, and all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only.”

However, not everyone is against AI.

In an interview with Red Share News, editor Dávid Jancsó of "The Brutalist" defended AI’s role in filmmaking, stating,

"There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster. We use AI to create these tiny little details that we didn’t have the money or the time to shoot."

As AI technology advances, its role in film and marketing remains a debated topic.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of filmmakers are embracing AI, believing that it will shape the future of filmmaking.

Notable examples include Singapore's AI comedy “I Want to Be Boss”, the Indonesia-Singapore drama “Mothernet”, and South Korea's animated film “Leafie”.

Despite the public backlash, “The Fantastic Four” movie itself remains highly anticipated.

The film, which will introduce the iconic superhero team to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is expected to launch Phase Six of the MCU in 2025, paving the way for future blockbusters like Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.