Marvel Denies AI Involvement in Fantastic Four: First Steps Posters – Are Design Choices to Blame for Poor Quality?

Recently, Marvel’s newest project, Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been embroiled in a bit of controversy. Two promotional posters released with the film’s first trailer have sparked debates online, with some accusing them of being AI-generated. However, Marvel has firmly dismissed these claims.

It’s truly becoming more challenging to distinguish what’s been crafted by AI as the tech becomes increasingly sophisticated. Gone are the days when a poorly done Photoshop would be the obvious culprit behind an odd image. Now, the immediate thought that comes to mind upon seeing something peculiar is, “Is this AI?” This question surfaced again with the release of the Fantastic Four posters. A quick glance at them, and you might see why they raised eyebrows.

For starters, there’s a peculiar instance of a woman’s face appearing twice in the crowd, and the most prominent figure waving a Fantastic Four flag seems to be missing a finger. Issues like these—particularly unnatural finger counts—are often telltale signs of AI involvement. Additionally, the lighting in both posters carries an oddity that’s also common with AI imagery. Nevertheless, a Marvel representative told The Hollywood Reporter that these posters were not created using AI. So, if Marvel’s statement holds true, it begs the question: why do they look so unrefined?

It points to a broader issue of Marvel appearing to cut corners financially, which seems baffling considering their considerable resources. Strangely enough, this frugality is at odds with the first trailer’s visuals, suggesting real set usage over extensive green screen reliance—a refreshing change. My gut says these posters might merely be victims of poor Photoshop work; the recurring face isn’t a typical pattern for AI. Nonetheless, it makes one ponder the appeal of a new Marvel blockbuster if even the preliminary promotion appears half-hearted.

Hopefully, when the movie eventually hits theaters on July 25, it will exceed these early impressions. Only time will reveal the final product.