Marvel Rejects AI Use Claims for Fantastic Four Posters

Marvel has firmly denied using artificial intelligence to create the promotional posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps following fan speculation triggered by an image showing a man with only four fingers. The marketing campaign for the film began this week, featuring a teaser for the debut trailer and a series of posters released on social media.

One particular poster caught the attention of fans due to an image of a man holding a large Fantastic Four flag, seemingly missing a finger. This led to discussions about the potential use of generative AI in the poster's creation, with fans pointing out duplicated faces, misaligned gazes, and oddly proportioned limbs as evidence.

Four fingers for this Fantastic Four superfan? Image credit: Marvel Studios.

In response, a Disney/Marvel spokesperson clarified to IGN that AI was not used in the creation of these posters, indicating another explanation for the anomalies observed. Some fans theorize that the missing finger might be concealed behind the flag pole, though this seems unlikely given the angles and sizes involved. Others suggest it could be a result of subpar Photoshop work rather than AI involvement.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 ImagesDisney/Marvel has not yet provided specific comments on the four-fingered man or the creation process of the poster, leaving room for ongoing speculation. Some believe the missing finger could be an oversight during post-production, where the finger was removed but the hand was not adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the repeated faces could be the result of a common digital editing technique used for background actors, rather than AI.

This debate has heightened scrutiny on future promotional materials for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As we await further developments, there is much to explore about the film, including detailed features on characters like Galactus and Doctor Doom.