In anticipation of the future, a number of artists have come forward with claims suggesting that the promotional material for the second season of Disney’s Loki incorporates AI-generated content sourced from Shutterstock. Despite these assertions, Disney has yet to offer an official response to the allegations, and the situation is further complicated by Shutterstock’s omission of a classification label designating the image as “AI-generated.” This absence of identification essentially absolves the studio from any obligation to acknowledge the use of artificial intelligence in the creation of the promotional artwork.
The potential ramifications of this situation are significant, particularly for graphic designers who could find themselves at a disadvantage if such practices persist. The lack of transparency regarding the origins of artistic content raises concerns within the creative community, as it not only challenges the principles of fair attribution but also has the potential to impact the job opportunities available to skilled designers.
Adding an intriguing layer to the controversy, last Monday saw illustrator Katria Raden highlighting what appeared to be AI-generated art featured prominently in the poster. This discovery serves as a catalyst for the ongoing discussion surrounding the intersection of technology and artistic creation, prompting a closer examination of the ethical implications and industry standards in an era where AI is increasingly prevalent in various creative processes.
Delving into the intricate web of controversy surrounding the promotional poster for the upcoming season of Disney’s Loki reveals a fascinating trail of intrigue. The background art, a key focal point of the poster, has been meticulously traced back to a specific Shutterstock image entitled “Surreal Infinity Time Spiral Space Antique.” This image, introduced to the Shutterstock repository earlier this year, bears distinctive hallmarks of artificial intelligence creation, featuring numbers and text that metamorphose into nonsensical squiggles. Adding to the mystery, the image lacks embedded metadata that would typically shed light on its method of creation, leaving the artistic origins shrouded in ambiguity.
Beyond the enigmatic background, there are whispers within the artistic community that other elements of the poster, including the diminutive human figures, may also be the result of AI-generated artistry. The speculation gains momentum when considering the stringent licensing policies on Shutterstock, explicitly disallowing the licensing of AI-generated art. However, a critical oversight arises in the platform’s failure to categorize the contentious image as AI-generated, thereby affording Disney a semblance of plausible deniability.
This isn’t the entertainment giant’s maiden voyage into the realm of AI-generated art controversy. A recent instance emerged with the Marvel film “Secret Invasion,” where Disney openly acknowledged the utilization of Gen AI to craft the film’s mesmerizing opening credits sequence. During that episode, Disney sought to allay concerns by asserting that its foray into AI technology wouldn’t diminish the need for human workers. Yet, the recurrence of such instances raises pertinent questions about the evolving landscape of employment within the studios and image licensing platforms alike. As the lines between human ingenuity and artificial creation blur, the collateral impact on livelihoods remains an unsettling uncertainty, leaving individuals on both sides of the equation grappling with the shifting dynamics of their professional futures.
