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AMC Pulls AI-Generated Short From Theaters Amid Backlash Over Pre-Roll Ads

AMC Pulls AI-Generated Short From Theaters Amid Backlash Over Pre-Roll Ads
source: gettyimages
February 24, 2026

AI-generated films have kept Hollywood chatter alive, with viral clips and bold predictions about the technology reshaping awards and storytelling. Notably, a recent online backlash intensified discussions about who should curate what appears in theaters, following a widely-shared AI-fed fight sequence featuring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. The Motion Picture Association also pressed ByteDance over its Seedance tool, which produced the clip in question.

AMC’s stance on the latest AI project is now clear: the chain has dropped a short film that was slated to run as part of the pre-show lineup. The film, Thanksgiving Day, was created by Igor Alferov and won a Frame Forward AI Generated Film Festival prize that promised a two-week theatrical window.

Backlash over Thanksgiving Day erupted after social media discussions revealed that AMC did not approve the pre-show content. The chain stated that it was not involved in planning or approving the advert, and that Screenvision Media—another outfit coordinating pre-show content—handled the inclusion. AMC noted that Screenvision runs pre-show advertising for several theater chains and that the program appears in fewer than 30 percent of AMC locations in the United States. Following the backlash, AMC confirmed it would not participate in the initiative going forward.

Screenvision Media organized the Frame Forward festival and collaborates with other theater chains to supply previews and trailers. It remains unclear whether Thanksgiving Day will appear in theaters beyond AMC.

Alferov described his process behind Thanksgiving Day, noting the use of AI tools Gemini 3.1 and Nana Banana Pro to bring the concept to life. He described AI as not a substitute for creativity, but an “exoskeleton” that can empower a single creator to build entire worlds.

As the industry watches how AI movies may or may not find a foothold in theaters, readers can explore other upcoming releases and the landscape of AI-driven cinema. If you’re curious about what 2026 has in store, you can also check out our look at the most anticipated films and revisit notable titles from 2025.

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