Marvel’s Secret Invasion has been met with a backlash for using AI to create its opening credits, though the animation studio behind it has promised “no artists’ jobs were replaced” as a result.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Method Studios said the AI tools used to create the intro sequence fit the themes of the show and were only used additively.
“The production process was highly collaborative and iterative, with a dedicated focus on this specific application of an AI toolset,” Method Studios said. “It involved a tremendous effort by talented art directors, animators (proficient in both 2D and 3D), artists, and developers, who employed conventional techniques to craft all the other aspects of the project.
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“However, it is crucial to emphasize that while the AI component provided optimal results, AI is just one tool among the array of toolsets our artists used. No artists’ jobs were replaced by incorporating these new tools; instead, they complemented and assisted our creative teams.”
Secret Invasion’s director and executive producer Ali Selim also said upon the show’s premiere that the intro was deliberately warped and twisted to represent the deceptive nature of the show (which is about, well, a secret invasion).
Method Studios’ statement continued: “Working on Secret Invasion, a captivating show exploring the infiltration of aliens into human society, provided an exceptional opportunity to delve into the intriguing realm of AI, specifically for creating unique character attributes and movements. Utilizing a custom AI tool for this particular element perfectly aligned with the project’s overall theme and the desired aesthetic.”
The use of AI, which has been a hotly debated and controversial topic within the entertainment industry, has been criticised by many Marvel fans watching the new show.
Secret Invasion intro is AI generated. I’m devastated, I believe AI to be unethical, dangerous and designed solely to eliminate artists careers. Spent almost half a year working on this show and had a fantastic experience working with the most amazing people I ever met…
— Jeff Simpson (@jeffsimpsonkh) June 21, 2023
“I don’t know about anything but it’s just ugly to me,” said one Reddit user. “Plus this is the worst time to use AI, especially when it’s at the very centre of the writer’s strike and a huge issue for media in general. A little tone deaf if you ask me.”
Senior concept artist Jeff Simpson, who’s worked for the likes of Ubisoft, Square Enix, and Marvel Studios itself, said on Twitter (above): “I’m devastated, I believe AI to be unethical, dangerous and designed solely to eliminate artists’ careers.”
IGN has contacted Marvel Studios for comment.
In our 7/10 review of Secret Invasion’s opening episodes, IGN said: “Secret Invasion is a welcome and solid return for the MCU’s lesser-used gritty espionage template, even if its first two episodes lack the sense of fear that it really needs.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.