Secret Invasion has arrived on Disney+. In this way, the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues, this time in the darkest way possible: with thousands of shape-shifting Skrulls infiltrating Earth, seeking to invade the planet by replacing important world leaders and individuals in key positions. Something that a group of superheroes, along with a group of renegade Skrulls, will have to stop at all costs.
Interestingly, what people are talking about the most is not the actors, characters, or the plot. Not even about its connection to the wider Marvel cinematic universe and the implications it will have. What people are buzzing about regarding Secret Invasion is its opening credits. Specifically, they have been created using artificial intelligence.
This is something that is evident from the very beginning. Mismatched images, strange out-of-place changes, peculiar movements in the visuals—everything we associate with the typical errors of AI, including the lack of a distinct personality, is present here. However, to justify this decision, the director and executive producer of the series, Ali Selim, stated in an interview with Polygon that the intention behind using AI for the credits was to mimic “the global identity of the Skrulls (…) Who did this? What is this?” He further explained that their collaboration with Method Studios, the team responsible for the AI, allowed them to discuss ideas, themes, and words, and then let the computer do its thing. They could then make slight modifications using words, which would result in some changes.
All of this has not inspired much confidence that they truly know what they are doing with the series or the AI, especially considering that Selim himself admitted to not fully understanding how the AI works. This lack of understanding is evident in his statements. However, it is worth noting that Method Studios is not inexperienced in this field. They have previously worked on other Marvel series such as Ms. Marvel, Loki, and Moon Knight, as well as on seasons 2 and 3 of For All Mankind and the Battle of the Bastards episode of Game of Thrones.
Given that this is an extremely sensitive topic for both artists and viewers, and considering that the results of these opening credits are anything but spectacular, it is expected that the reactions towards Secret Invasion and its use of AI will continue to grow. This is likely to overshadow the premiere of a series in which Disney has placed high hopes.
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