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AMC pulls AI-generated film from theaters after backlash, says it did not authorize pre-show ads

AMC pulls AI-generated film from theaters after backlash, says it did not authorize pre-show ads
source: gettyimages
February 24, 2026

AI-generated films have been stirring debate around Hollywood’s future, with short clips and experimental projects occasionally sparking online controversy. The buzz intensified when a clip featuring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise went viral, and the industry watchdogs stepped in with a cease-and-desist to a tool used to generate such scenes.

The recent incident centers on Thanksgiving Day, a short film created by Igor Alferov that features an anthropomorphic bear and a platypus exploring space. The piece emerged from the Frame Forward AI Generated Film Festival, which granted a two-week theatrical run as its prize. After social media backlash, AMC decided to pull the short film from its theaters.

AMC has stated that it did not approve or program Thanksgiving Day. The decision to include the film in the pre-show lineup was made by Screenvision Media, the company responsible for pre-show advertising across multiple theater chains. According to AMC, it was not involved in creating the content or the advertising initiative and has informed Screenvision that AMC locations will not participate in such content going forward. Screenvision’s involvement also complicates the question of whether Thanksgiving Day will appear in other venues beyond AMC’s footprint.

Igor Alferov explained that he used AI tools Gemini 3.1 and Nana Banana Pro to craft Thanksgiving Day. He described AI as not a replacement for human creativity but a powerful exoskeleton for imagination, capable of helping a single creator build entire worlds.

The broader context for this moment includes ongoing discussions about AI in entertainment, with industry groups scrutinizing the role of AI in media production. While some see AI as a disruptive innovation that can expand artistic possibilities, others worry about rights, control over distribution, and the fidelity of AI-generated content in a theatrical setting.

As the discussion evolves, audiences can keep an eye on which projects receive platform support, how festivals define winning works, and whether more AI-generated pieces find their way into mainstream theaters. For now, Thanksgiving Day remains a cautionary tale about the complexities of sourcing, approving, and presenting AI-driven content in commercial venues. If you’re curious about what lies ahead for 2026, you can explore the year’s most-anticipated releases and a broader look at notable films from 2025.

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