Super Mario Galaxy Movie promo site may use generative AI, despite Nintendo opposing the tools

Viewers shouldn’t encounter generative AI on the April 1st Super Mario Galaxy Movie release date. However, while Nintendo and Illumination oppose using the tools creatively, not all of their partners are on the same page. A General Mills website promoting the film features several suspicious images that could draw the gaming giant’s ire.

Evidence that General Mills relied on AI

TheGamer reported on a finding from caroliner_draws shared on social media. On the activities section of the itsgalaxytime site, two photos depict a living room with Mario and Yoshi-themed items. Among the objects in question is a movie poster that, upon closer inspection, reveals a nonsensical design.

Another obvious sign of a generative AI tool is the garbled text standing on the coffee table. Also, the second image includes Mario hats with an unnatural look. Perhaps most damning, a reader spotted the Google Gemini symbol in the lower-right corner of the photo.

It’s important to note that General Mills has no direct involvement in producing The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Instead, it’s selling limited-edition cereals, snacks, and even cookie dough with related artwork. Nevertheless, Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri is against generative AI replacing human animators.

Nintendo's stance on generative AI

Likewise, developers of Nintendo games have yet to embrace the tools like some of their competition. President Shuntaro Furukawa argues that machine learning can’t replicate the work of talented creators. Highly protective of IPs, there are also copyright concerns. Likewise, Mario and Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto is hesitant to follow industry trends.

Nintendo survived recent accusations that it employed AI when marketing for its My Mario toys. The controversy focused on an oddly positioned thumb. The model shut down speculation by confirming she was, in fact, on the set of the photoshoot.

In the case of the General Mills site, the evidence does seem more convincing. Even as third-party promoters of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, fans are calling for Nintendo and Illumination to issue a statement.