Director Eli Roth has clarified that generative AI appears in a limited part of his upcoming horror film Ice Cream Man, after earlier describing one prominent animated sequence as hand-drawn.
The film follows an ice cream truck driver who transforms children into homicidal killers. Its unusual visual style has prompted questions about artificial intelligence, particularly after an early-review version listed the AI visual effects company Dark Half in the credits. Viewers are also wondering how much of the film was created using generative AI.
The discussion centres partly on a disturbing cartoon shown on children’s phones. The Fleischer Studios-inspired animation appears to hypnotise them before they become killers, using a jittery, old-fashioned style that recalls early 1920s haunted-house cartoons.
Roth previously explained that he has an animation background and drew the sequence himself. He worked with an animation team to develop the movement, asked animators to make the drawings more fluid, and collaborated with an artist to achieve the period-style visual texture. He also designed the loop cycles and selected the frames he wanted to appear.
That explanation did not describe the film’s complete use of AI. After being asked to clarify the technology’s role, Roth issued a statement acknowledging that his earlier comments had been incomplete.
I misspoke. AI was used in a very small portion of a few scenes in the film.
Roth said the limited use of AI created an opportunity for technology and creativity to work together in service of his vision. He did not identify the scenes involved or explain precisely how generative AI was incorporated.
Further questions were sent to Roth’s representative about any other scenes that may have used the technology. Dark Half was also contacted by email, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
More details may follow if either Roth or Dark Half provides additional information. For readers interested in how visual ideas move between film, games and interactive entertainment, RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog covers arcade news and gaming culture, while its arcade videos explore the wider industry. Those considering a physical gaming project can also consult the Arcade Machine Buying Guide before choosing a cabinet.
Ice Cream Man is scheduled to debut in theatres on Aug. 7.
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