Netflix recently found itself in hot water after fans noticed AI-generated art used in promotional material for Arcane Season 2.
The animated series, a collaboration between Riot Games and French studio Fortiche, is celebrated for its breathtaking hand-drawn and digital artistry. So when fans spotted inconsistencies—like an oddly shaped hand—in the poster, it sparked outrage.
Netflix Pulls AI-Generated Poster After Backlash
A fan raised the issue on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Arcane‘s team. In response, Alex Shahmiri, Arcane‘s brand lead, confirmed the poster was indeed AI-generated and called it a mistake.
Shahmiri reassured fans that Arcane maintains a strict policy against AI art due to its disrespect to the talented artists behind the show.
“Appreciate you bringing this to our attention,” Shahmiri wrote. “We have a strict stance of no AI for anything relating to Arcane because it’s disrespectful to the incredible artists who worked on the show. This image was a mistake and has since been removed.”
He also shared his personal view on AI, emphasizing the irreplaceable human touch in creative works: “From a purely personal level, I’m not a fan of AI because what makes art so special is the human connection and feeling.”
AI in Art: A Growing Controversy
This incident isn’t unique to Netflix. Earlier this year, Disney faced criticism for using AI-generated art in the opening credits of Secret Invasion, a Marvel
series. Method Studios, responsible for the credits, defended their approach, stating no jobs were replaced. However, fans and artists were quick to voice their displeasure, arguing it cheapened the artistic value of the series.
AI art tools like DALL-E and MidJourney have gained traction for their ability to produce images faster and cheaper than human artists. Yet, this efficiency comes at a cost—both ethically and aesthetically.
Many argue that AI-generated content often lacks the emotional depth and originality of human-created art. Moreover, AI models are frequently trained on existing works without proper consent, raising concerns about plagiarism.
Artistic Integrity vs. AI Expediency
The use of AI-generated art in projects like Arcane and Secret Invasion highlights a broader debate. For commercial ventures, the speed and cost savings of AI might seem appealing, but they risk alienating audiences who value authenticity and artistic integrity.
In industries built on creativity, the backlash to AI art could push companies to rethink their strategies.
Digital tools like Procreate have already taken a stand, promising not to incorporate generative AI in their features. By championing human artists, creators hope to maintain the authenticity that fans cherish.
A Warning to Studios
The Arcane poster debacle serves as a cautionary tale for studios prioritizing expediency over quality. While AI-generated content may streamline processes, it can’t replicate the human touch that defines exceptional art.
Companies like Netflix and Disney might face increasing resistance from audiences and creators alike if they continue relying on AI for promotional or creative material.
