Marvel Studios has firmly denied using artificial intelligence to create promotional posters for their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite fan speculation sparked by a peculiar image. The marketing campaign for the movie began this week, featuring a teaser for the debut trailer and a series of posters shared on social media.
One particular poster caught the attention of fans due to an image of a man holding a large Fantastic Four flag, who appears to have only four fingers on his left hand. This anomaly led to widespread speculation about the use of generative AI in the poster's creation. Observers also pointed out other inconsistencies, such as duplicated faces, misaligned gazes, and disproportionately sized limbs, further fueling the AI debate.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson from Disney/Marvel clarified to IGN that no AI was used in the creation of these posters. This statement suggests that the issues observed might stem from other sources, such as human error in the design process.
Theories about the four-fingered man range from the finger being hidden behind the flagpole to a simple oversight in Photoshop. The latter theory implies a critique of the artist's skills rather than the use of AI. Similarly, the repeated faces in the poster could be the result of a common digital trick used in background actor placement, rather than AI-generated imagery.
Despite Marvel's denial, the controversy surrounding the poster has ignited a broader discussion about the use of AI in film marketing. This debate is likely to intensify scrutiny on future promotional materials for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the film's release approaches, fans can look forward to more content, including features on key characters like Galactus and Doctor Doom.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills
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While Marvel has not provided a detailed explanation for the four-fingered man or other anomalies, the conversation around AI in film marketing continues to grow. As fans await further developments, the debate over the use of AI in The Fantastic Four: First Steps promotional materials remains a hot topic.
