Marvel Studios is under fire after fans accused one of the promotional posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps of being AI-generated—claims the studio has swiftly denied.
The controversy erupted shortly after the film’s first trailer debuted at a special event at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Suspicious Details Spark AI Speculation
The poster in question, styled as a 1960s-inspired Life Magazine cover, raised eyebrows due to several peculiar details:
• A character holding a flag with only four fingers
• Duplicated background figures
• A person awkwardly gripping a camera
Simon Pegg (not the actor) pointed out these oddities on Bluesky, while comedian Megan Bitchell mocked the inconsistencies on X, sarcastically celebrating the possibility of AI involvement.
Marvel’s Response
In response to the growing speculation, a Marvel spokesperson told TheWrap:
“AI was not used in the creation of these posters.â€
This denial comes at a time when the film industry is under increased scrutiny for AI use. Marvel previously faced backlash for employing AI-generated visuals in Secret Invasion (2023), while other projects like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil have also been criticized for AI integration.
The Bigger Picture
Marvel’s quick response suggests a desire to quell concerns and refocus attention on the film itself. However, with fans remaining highly critical of AI’s role in Hollywood, the debate over the Fantastic Four poster may not die down anytime soon.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.
