Oscar-winning director clarifies that 'Marathon' cinematic short is not AI-generated

Oscar-winning director Alberto Mielgo, known for his work on the cinematic short for Bungie's upcoming game Marathon, has vehemently denied the use of generative artificial intelligence in its creation. This statement comes amid broader discussions in the industry regarding AI's role in artistic production and concurrent allegations of stolen art assets within the game's development.

Renowned Director Reassures Public on Human Craftsmanship for Marathon Cinematic

In a recent public declaration, celebrated director Alberto Mielgo took to Instagram to assert the authentic human craftsmanship behind the striking eight-minute cinematic short for Marathon. This compelling piece, which serves as an immersive introduction to the game's universe and narrative framework, was, according to Mielgo, the fruit of immense human labor and creativity. He emphasized that a dedicated team of 155 talented individuals poured countless hours, days, and months into its production, handling all aspects from intricate paintings and animations to 2D and 3D modeling, compositing, and rendering. Mielgo's statement directly counters any speculation that generative AI contributed to the cinematic's distinct visual style, underscoring the significant time investment, which he humorously referred to as their "Achilles’ heel."

Addressing the swirling rumors and controversies, Mielgo also touched upon accusations concerning Bungie's alleged use of unauthorized art assets in Marathon. While initially dismissive of what he termed "sphincter smelly press" for sensationalizing such claims, he later clarified that any unintended use of textures or fonts by Bungie never directly involved his cinematic team. This nuanced explanation hints at a distinction between the cinematic's production and other aspects of the game's development, suggesting that while the broader project might face challenges, his specific contribution remains untainted by AI or copyright infringement. Sony, the parent company, has reiterated its commitment to launching Marathon by March 2026, promising to "make corrections" as necessary, indicating an ongoing effort to navigate these complexities and ensure a compliant and high-quality release.

This incident illuminates the growing tension and scrutiny within the creative industries surrounding artificial intelligence and intellectual property. Mielgo's passionate defense of human artistry serves as a powerful reminder of the value and effort embedded in handcrafted creations, prompting both developers and audiences to reflect on the future of art in an increasingly AI-driven world. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Marathon highlights the critical need for transparency and ethical practices as technology continues to reshape creative processes.