Today the first episode of Secret Invasion hit Disney Plus, and while people seem to like the debut, the intro credits that were made by AI are not being received positively. In an interview with Polygon, director and executive producer of the Samuel L. Jackson-led series, Ali Selim, revealed why this collaboration with Method Studios was made to utilize artificial intelligence rather than actual people.
The paranoid spy thriller concept of the series is one of the reasons why AI was the choice to make the intro credits of Secret Invasion. Selim said that “it just came right out of the shape-shifting, Skrull world identity.” It would pose the questions, “Who did this? Who is this?” While there were human touches in guiding the AI, the bulk was done by the computer.
“We would talk to them about ideas and themes and words, and then the computer would go off and do something. And then we could change it a little bit by using words, and it would change.”
People’s reactions have slammed Marvel for using AI to create the credits of Secret Invasion. On one side, people have discussed the ethics of using AI, which undervalues artists’ work and endangers people’s livelihoods. Other people are making fun of the look of it. While many Marvel Shows have had very stylized intros, this one has drawn negative attention due to people’s distorted faces and the overall aesthetic.
AI Created the Secret Invasion Intro Credits
going from the beautiful end credits of She-Hulk to the AI mush opening credits of Secret Invasion sucks so much ass pic.twitter.com/nYik20P9Sm
— Griffin Parker 🔜 ??? (@GVgalore) June 21, 2023
The film industry has been battling the use of AI. While studios like Marvel are leaning into it and some VFX companies are embracing it, many artists have been against the idea. Writers and actors have been fighting back. While arguing for residuals and more staff in the writers’ room, the WGA strike has also been about not using AI to replace writers in developing scripts for shows and movies. Secret Invasion getting so much negative attention for its use of AI could mean positive development for artists pushing back against the utilization of artificial intelligence.
Secret Invasion will run for six episodes. The first episode is available now on Disney Plus.
