James Gunn Critiques AI Batmans Bizarre Proportions

A Batman With a 14 Inch Arm

As generative AI continues to create waves and concern in Hollywood, not everyone is ready to embrace the technology. The latest prominent figure to weigh in is DC Studios co-head and "Superman" director, James Gunn, who took a jab at the current state of AI art.

In a witty response to a fan's AI-generated image of actor Brandon Sklenar as Batman, Gunn pointed out on Threads a glaring flaw: "it would be weird to cast an AI Batman with a 14 inch arm." His comment humorously highlighted the AI's failure to render realistic proportions and understand perspective, resulting in unnaturally short arms for the Caped Crusader. Another user chimed in, expressing relief that "the DCU’s Batman won’t be AI-generated."

Warner Bros Takes on AI Art

The timing of Gunn's comment is particularly interesting. It comes just days after Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of DC and distributor of films like "The Dark Knight" trilogy, sued the AI image generator Midjourney. The lawsuit accuses the AI company of facilitating mass copyright infringement by allowing users to create works based on its copyrighted characters, much like the very image Gunn was reacting to.

Fans have frequently suggested Brandon Sklenar as a potential candidate for the next Batman. However, as SuperHeroHype notes, DC Studios has not yet announced who will take up the mantle after Robert Pattinson, who is set to return in the sequel to "The Batman" next year.

Hollywood's AI Divide

The debate over generative AI in filmmaking is a deeply contentious issue, with many industry professionals fearing the technology could make their roles obsolete. A growing number of high-profile directors and actors have voiced their opposition.

Filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and actor Sean Penn have publicly criticized AI's use in creative fields. Director Steven Spielberg shared a similar sentiment, stating, "I don't want AI making any creative decisions that I can't make myself." Despite this resistance, some parts of the industry are moving forward. OpenAI recently announced a collaboration to create a feature-length animated film using its AI tools.

Fans Applaud Gunn's Stance

Given James Gunn's recent quip, it seems unlikely that an AI-generated hero will be headlining a DC film anytime soon. Fans were quick to praise his direct and humorous dismissal of the AI-generated image.

On a DCU-focused subreddit, one user commented, "Love how he makes fun of these people." Another praised Gunn's response as "some grade A premium snark."