# 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and the AI Controversy Artwork in the film's concept book sparked allegations of AI use. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e) - **Published:** 2026-08-23 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fe57577a-7766-46b1-a4fd-3553890f9aa8 ## Spider-Man and AI Allegations While 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' remains in theaters, it has become the center of AI usage allegations. The film's concept book featured New York designs with taxis and buildings appearing to blend into each other, leading to speculation about AI use. This news drew comparisons to a similar situation with Supergirl. ## Publisher's Statement The publisher of the concept book clarified that AI was not used in creating the artwork. Instead, cloning tools and photobashing techniques were employed. The publisher admitted these methods might be seen as 'laziness' but emphasized that AI was not involved. The company also highlighted its anti-AI policies. ## Reddit User's Claim Reddit user StingRe, who claimed responsibility for the book's design and layout, stated that AI was not used. StingRe explained that assets were received from the Brand New Day visual development team. While there were claims that freelancers used AI, such artwork was not included in the book. ## Marvel's Stance StingRe noted that Ryan Meinerding, Marvel Studios' head of visual development, rigorously checked every page. Meinerding was described as very strict against AI use, and Disney and Marvel reportedly have no intention of publishing AI-generated content. ## Photoshop's Role StingRe explained that Photoshop's fill tool influenced the artwork's appearance. This tool, part of Photoshop for over 15 years, was speculated to have caused the 'wonky taxi' effect. A watermark between two taxis might have been removed, prompting the tool to pull in the closest pixels. ## Legal Issues StingRe pointed out that AI-generated content cannot be legally owned. Contracts stipulate that works must be 'wholly original.' Artists choosing shortcuts with AI are making personal decisions, not following company mandates. ## Disney and Marvel's Silence As of now, Ryan Meinerding and Disney have not issued an official statement on the matter. io9 has reached out to Meinerding and awaits a response. Updates on the situation are being monitored. ## AI and the Future of Art This controversy raises important questions about AI and the future of art. Companies' AI policies and how artists utilize this technology have become focal points in industry discussions. Marvel's strict stance could set an example for other companies. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-is-caught-in-a-tangled-ai-web-2000801867 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._