James Gunn has expressed his revulsion after an AI-generated trailer for his upcoming Superman film was broadcast on French television. The 58-year-old filmmaker is gearing up to unveil a new iteration of the “Man of Steel,” featuring David Corenswet as the iconic DC superhero and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Corenswet was tapped as the successor to Henry Cavill in the role back in June 2023.
The controversial trailer made its appearance on TV channel France 2 during a discussion about the new documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” catching Gunn off guard. A snippet of the AI-created trailer, showcasing various Superman incarnations, including Cavill’s portrayal from 2013 to 2023, surfaced on social media. Gunn re-shared the clip on his profile, expressing his dismay with three vomit emojis, without further commentary.
Gunn, known for his vocal criticisms of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, had previously condemned the technology in March after an AI-generated image of Corenswet in the Superman costume went viral. The director challenged the validity of AI by questioning the accuracy of details in the digitally created images, emphasising the importance of human creativity and craftsmanship in filmmaking.
The dialogue around the use of AI in cinema has escalated as the technology becomes more ubiquitous. Recently, an AI-generated trailer for a live-action adaptation of the beloved 1997 Studio Ghibli anime “Princess Mononoke” stirred controversy when it spread online. The trailer was crafted by PJ Acetturo, the CEO of FilmPort AI, who claimed it was produced for less than $100 (£79) before being removed from circulation.
In a separate development, renowned filmmaker James Cameron faced backlash after news emerged that he had joined the board of an AI startup called Stability AI, creators of the text-to-image generator Stable Diffusion. The move attracted criticism, highlighting the ethical implications and consequences of integrating AI technology into the creative process of storytelling.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking continues to spark debates within the industry and among fans, raising questions about the balance between innovation and traditional artistic values. Gunn’s reaction to the AI Superman trailer incident underscores the ongoing tension between embracing technological advancements and preserving the authenticity of human expression in cinematic artistry.