Marvel is facing strong criticism from fans after unveiling an AI-generated promotional poster for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’
The backlash followed the release of the film’s first trailer, which introduced its star-studded cast. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) plays Mr. Fantastic, alongside Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon) as the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) as the Thing. The movie also features Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, and other notable names like Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich.
The trailer provides a glimpse into the origins of the iconic superhero team and their transformation after gaining their powers. It also teases the appearance of the antagonist, Galactus. A central moment in the trailer emphasizes the strong bond between the characters, with Kirby’s character declaring, “Whatever life throws at us, we face it together — as a family.”
Accompanying the trailer, Marvel shared a visually striking poster on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The artwork depicts a lively 1960s New York crowd cheering for the Fantastic Four, waving flags, and capturing the moment with vintage cameras. One of the banners in the image reads, “EARTH BELIEVES IN YOU,” symbolizing the team’s widespread admiration.
However, fans quickly noticed flaws in the poster, suspecting it was created using artificial intelligence. Social media users pointed out several inconsistencies, particularly in the depiction of hands. One figure holding a flag appeared to have only three fingers, a common glitch in AI-generated images. Another background character’s hand was similarly distorted, fueling further criticism.
One outraged fan commented, “It’s obvious this poster was made with AI. The visuals are inconsistent, faces are copied and pasted, limbs are missing, and hands have extra or fewer fingers. Stop using AI for advertising, Hollywood!”
Similar frustrations flooded social media, with many urging Marvel and the entertainment industry to move away from AI-generated artwork for marketing purposes.
Despite the controversy, excitement for the film remains high. During a special event showcasing the trailer, Moss-Bachrach led the crowd in a spirited “It’s clobbering time!” chant. Pascal also shared his emotional connection with the cast, describing the experience as “intimate” and stating that the group had truly bonded like a family.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s version of Manhattan. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige clarified on The Official Marvel Podcast that the film’s New York may differ from what fans are used to in the MCU. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25.
