Eli Roth’s upcoming horror film, “Ice Cream Man,” has sparked recent controversy over the use of AI in its animated sequences. Initially, Roth claimed he hand-drew the visuals himself. But just days before the Aug. 7 release, he clarified that artificial intelligence played a role in just a small part of a few scenes. The change came after fans speculated online that AI had been used extensively, especially with the involvement of the AI visual effects studio Dark Half.
Roth shared details about the movie with Polygon, explaining a surreal sequence where a cartoon appears to mesmerize children, driving them to violent actions. He said he first sketched the animated parts himself, inspired by an old 1920s-era Mickey Mouse cartoon featuring the character in a haunted house setting. Later, he brought in animators to help smooth out the visuals and an artist to give the sequence a rough, nostalgic, hand-drawn look.
Addressing the confusion, Roth admitted he “misspoke” earlier and confirmed AI was used only in a “very small portion” of scenes. He said the technology helped him realize his creative vision. Still, his representatives and those of Dark Half have not responded to Variety's requests for further clarification. Roth described the AI use as a chance to explore new techniques in filmmaking.
This case highlights a growing issue in Hollywood, where the use of AI in creative projects is becoming more common but also more contentious. Audiences are divided, with some embracing technological tools and others questioning their impact. Similar debates have emerged this year, such as with the film “Late Night with the Devil,” where its directors faced scrutiny over AI-generated elements. Meanwhile, director Adam Shankman had to insist that his RuPaul-led film, “Stop That Train,” contained no AI-generated scenes.
As AI continues to enter the film industry, the way creators communicate about its use—and how much transparency they offer—is becoming a focal point for fans and critics alike. Roth’s case adds to the ongoing conversation about how technology and art can coexist in modern filmmaking.