Marvel’s ‘Spider-Verse’ Will Never Be Tainted With AI Art, And For Good Reason

Video screenshot via Sony Pictures Entertainment

Spider-Man’s Spider-Verse encapsulates all kinds of possibilities, except for that of the existence of generative artificial intelligence art. With the animation world quickly transforming into a web of AI-made content, heads are spinning about what’s in store for the film industry. Thrown into question is the fate of Marvel and Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Verse movies, which have left audiences in awe over their diverse art and storytelling styles.

Producer and co-writer Christopher Miller, however, has put his foot down about the use of AI for the upcoming Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part Two)—and any future installments.

“There is no generative AI in Beyond the Spider-Verse and there never will be,” Miller confirms in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He justifies the adamance against the use of programs like Midjourney and DALL-E 3 by stating that the franchise focuses on “[creating] new visual styles that have never been seen in a studio CG film, not steal the generic plagiarized average of other artists’ work.”

There is no generative AI in Beyond the Spider-Verse and there never will be. One of the main goals of the films is to create new visual styles that have never been seen in a studio CG film, not steal the generic plagiarized average of other artists’ work. https://t.co/t4tSUWCg4u

— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) June 1, 2024

This announcement comes amid a wider industry debate on the role of AI and the sacrifices that come with its efficiency-boosting capabilities. Miller’s comments directly address Sony CEO Tony Vinciquerrara’s recent statements about the studio’s plans to increase AI use in film and television productions.

The Spider-Verse producer’s stance is likely to resonate with fans who cherish the artistic merit of the films. While AI may offer valuable production tools in the future, human ingenuity continues to play an irreplaceable role in crafting truly authentic animated experiences.

[via Comic Book Movie and FandomWire, cover screenshot via Sony Pictures Entertainment]