Credit: Sony Pictures AnimationRecently, the NBA used AI to recreate a live basketball game in the style of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), and the filmmakers are not happy about it.
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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and its sequel have been declared as some of the best animated and superhero films ever made. Led by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, these movies have created a unique style that is bolstered by an incredible cast, which includes Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy), Jake Johnson (Peter B. Parker), and Brian Tyree Henry (Jefferson Davis).
Naturally, the Spider-Verse films have inspired other movies to take on aspects of the iconic comic book style. However, things took a drastic turn when the NBA used AI to seemingly steal from the beloved films.
‘Spider-Verse’ Filmmakers Over NBA Using Style For AI
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Recently, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver showed off the league’s newest prospect to bring in new fans: NB-AI. The application would use AI to transform live games into “your favorite movies,” including the Spider-Verse films. After showcasing a demo alongside San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembenyama, fan reactions have been mixed at best. This includes filmmaker Christopher Miller, who heavily criticized the project.
“I’m a big NBA fan, and I love that people are excited about Spider-Verse, but this janky-a** AI looks nothing like the hand-crafted innovative artistry of the films.”
I’m a big NBA fan, and I love that people are excited about Spider-Verse, but this janky-ass AI looks nothing like the hand-crafted innovative artistry of the films https://t.co/roTKZcldKs
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) February 17, 2024
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Miller then replied to his own post, saying, “For the record, as far as I know, they never reached out to us about ‘scraping’ the films’ style.” This sentiment was echoed by Phil Lord, who shared Miller’s reaction. While this is alarming in numerous ways, especially regarding companies using AI to steal artists’ work, what’s most surprising is how unnecessary it is.
There is no way that fans of the NBA want to see a poorly animated interpretation of what’s actually happening on the court, and fans of the films don’t want to see the iconic art style stolen. And if the NBA wants to win new fans, bad animation isn’t the way to do it. What works is the incredible athletes doing what they do best.
Do you think Christopher Miller and Phil Lord are overreacting? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below.