Now Even Marvel... Controversy Over New Opening Created with AI

Use of AI Video in Special Effects of New Drama
Some Voices Oppose, Saying "It Could Erase Artists' Careers"

Marvel's new drama "Secret Invasion" has sparked controversy after it was revealed that the opening video was created using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Voices expressing concerns about the automation of creative content production through AI are increasing worldwide, including in South Korea.

On the 21st (local time), according to U.S. entertainment media Variety and Polygon, Ali Selim, the director and executive producer of "Secret Invasion," decided to produce the drama's opening video using AI.

The video released by Marvel was produced by the visual effects (VFX) specialist company "Method Studios," and AI tools were involved in the production process. Watching the actual video, the visual effect of illustrations appearing to move stands out. It is a graphic style specialized for widely used generative AI such as Stable Diffusion and Midjourney.

Opening video of the new Marvel drama using artificial intelligence.
[Image source=Marvel Studios]

Director Selim emphasized that the theme of the drama and the visual effects of generative AI matched well. "Secret Invasion" is a drama about the invasion of Earth by the alien species "Skrulls," who can freely change their appearance.

The director explained, "The identity of the Skrulls, who can change their form, fits well with AI," adding, "AI imitates humans but is not completely human-like and gives a somewhat eerie feeling, which resembles the Skrulls."

However, the industry's reaction to the news that Marvel Studios used AI in video production was mixed. Independent filmmaker Brian Long criticized on his Twitter account, calling it "the first case of AI intrusion allowed in a major studio production" and "a terrible start."

The scene during the strike of the American Writers Guild. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Concerns also arose within Marvel. Jeff Simpson, the visual concept artist for "Secret Invasion," expressed, "AI could eliminate artists' careers," and said he was "shocked."

The controversy over AI potentially taking away creators' jobs is ongoing in the United States as well. On the 2nd of last month, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), consisting of 11,500 Hollywood writers, launched a full strike for the first time in 15 years. Although the main cause of the strike was failed wage negotiations, demands also included improved treatment and working conditions for writers on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Walt Disney, as well as restrictions on AI usage.

In South Korea, controversy over AI use is also intensifying. In the webtoon industry, some amateur artists were found to have used AI-generated images to create comics, leading to "rating bombing" by netizens. As the controversy grew, companies like Naver and Kakao decided to ban AI use in webtoon contests.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.