Evangeline Lilly is weighing in after Disney announced a wave of layoffs that hit Marvel’s visual‑development team. The Wasp actress addressed the move on social media, arguing that the artists who shaped the MCU’s signature look deserve credit rather than being sidelined.
In an Instagram note, Lilly criticized Disney for letting go of the people who built Marvel’s on‑screen world, suggesting their work could be replaced by AI. She described the decision as “disgusting and horrible” and urged executives to rethink who gets to contribute to these iconic characters.
Her comments come as the layoffs affected longtime Marvel visual‑development staff, including Andy Parks, and followed Asad Ayaz’s appointment as Disney’s new chief marketing and brand officer. The move is described as a restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and branding, with leadership signaling continued collaboration with human artists on a project‑by‑project basis rather than maintaining a standing team.
AI and the future of Marvel’s art
Observers wonder whether the industry will lean more on artificial intelligence to fill creative gaps. Marvel previously used AI for the opening credits of Secret Invasion, and talk around future projects centers on balancing human artistry with machine‑assisted workflows. Disney also explored a collaboration with OpenAI to generate imagery for platforms like Sora and ChatGPT, a plan that stalled when OpenAI halted Sora and Disney stepped back.
While Lilly’s stance underscores a broader debate about credit and craftsmanship, the industry will be watching how the MCU’s visual voice evolves in the years ahead.
Source: Original article
