With the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Sony Animation is making it clear that they won’t be using AI-generated animation in the upcoming film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Chris Miller, the series producer, recently responded to a fan’s concern about the use of generative AI, stating definitively that it won’t be used and emphasizing their commitment to creating new visual styles that are unique in CG animation.
This decision follows remarks from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s chairman and CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, who expressed the studio’s focus on using AI to reduce costs and streamline production processes for both theatrical films and television.
Vinciquerra acknowledged the challenges AI poses, particularly in light of the Hollywood labor strikes and ongoing negotiations with IATSE. The agreements resulting from these negotiations will likely influence how AI is used in future productions.
Miller and his producing partner, Phil Lord, have been vocal opponents of using generative AI to create animated films. They argue that AI tends to replicate existing styles rather than innovate, describing it as a tool to simplify repetitive tasks rather than a means of creating original content.
In Miller’s view, AI lacks the ability to innovate and can only mimic existing art. He believes that true creativity comes from human artists pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in animation.
