Kevin Feige’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Secret Invasion Opening Garners Mixed Reactions at Comic-Con
Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, found himself in the midst of controversy at this year’s Comic-Con. Disney, Feige, and Marvel had faced criticism for utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create the opening sequence for the upcoming Disney+ series, Secret Invasion. However, discussions with visual effects (VFX) insiders at the event revealed a surprising twist.
While many assumed that the decision to employ AI was driven by cost-cutting motives, VFX artists attending Comic-Con shared a different perspective. They viewed AI as simply another tool in their repertoire, akin to using a different paintbrush. These artists emphasized that AI cannot match the creative capabilities of the human mind. In fact, they even pointed out the subpar quality of the AI-generated Secret Invasion opening, which reaffirmed their lack of concern about AI’s potential impact on their industry.
Contrary to what some have speculated, these VFX artists actually believe that Feige intentionally utilized AI in the Secret Invasion opening to highlight its deficiencies and demonstrate that it falls short of the superior craftsmanship offered by VFX studios. Their theory gained further weight when considering the timing of Feige’s AI experimentation—it coincided with the ongoing writers strike and the subsequent actors’ strike. Thus, they suggest that Feige employed AI with the intention of drawing attention to the value of human labor, supporting both the striking writers and VFX artists.
The integration of AI into the film and commercial industry was a topic that resurfaced during the Comic-Con discussions. A commercial director, who works on national brand commercials, revealed that AI is being used in the production of commercials. Although the AI-generated storyboards were deemed acceptable by the director, they were still considered inferior to those crafted by human hands. This echoed the sentiment expressed by the VFX artists, reinforcing the notion that while AI is being employed, it is not yet capable of matching the creative prowess of human talent.
Meanwhile, an incident at the Comic-Con booth for Diablo, a popular video game franchise owned by Activision, shed light on another AI-related issue. Before entering the booth, attendees were required to read a notice stating that their likeness could be used indefinitely by the company. This raised concerns among industry professionals, particularly actors who are members of SAG (Screen Actors Guild). One can only imagine the consequences if an unwitting SAG actor were to overlook such a notice and unwittingly grant broad rights to their image. This occurrence further highlights the need for clear regulations and safeguards regarding AI’s usage in the entertainment industry.
Overall, the debate surrounding AI’s impact on the entertainment industry rages on. The varying perspectives presented at Comic-Con indicate a complex landscape where AI is an increasingly prevalent tool but has yet to match the ingenuity and quality of human craftsmanship. As the industry navigates these uncharted waters, a balance must be struck to ensure fair treatment of talent while embracing the potential benefits AI can offer. Only time will tell how this evolving dynamic will shape the future of entertainment.
