Did AI Play a Role in the Fantastic Four: First Steps Posters? Marvel Denies It, So Why Do They Look So Poor?

Recently, some posters released alongside the initial trailer for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” have come under fire for allegedly being AI-generated. However, Marvel has firmly denied these claims.

In today’s digital landscape, distinguishing between AI-generated and human-made content is becoming increasingly challenging as the technology evolves. In the past, people could easily spot a poorly done Photoshop and laugh it off. Nowadays, any odd image immediately raises the question, “Is this AI?” This skepticism arose when posters for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” were unveiled. If you take a look at them, it’s understandable why people might suspect AI involvement.

For starters, there are two identical faces of a woman in the crowd, and the individual waving the largest Fantastic Four flag seems to have only four fingers—a hallmark sign of AI-generated art. The peculiar lighting, another giveaway often associated with AI, also contributes to the posters’ strange appearance. Nevertheless, a Marvel representative assured The Hollywood Reporter that AI played no role in creating these images. If that’s to be believed, it begs the question: why do they look so poorly done?

This situation seems emblematic of a broader issue with Marvel appearing to cut corners, even though the franchise undoubtedly has the resources to deliver higher quality. What’s puzzling is this stark contrast with the trailer, which surprisingly suggests the use of real sets instead of the usual green screen approach. I can’t shake off the feeling that these are just badly executed Photoshop jobs; AI isn’t likely to replicate identical faces exactly. Yet, it leaves me wondering why I’d be inclined to see a Marvel film if even minor tasks like these are skimped on.

Hopefully, the film itself will meet expectations, but we’ll have to wait and see when it hits theaters on July 25.