Warner Bros. Faces Backlash After AI Use in ‘The End of Oak Street’ and ‘Supergirl’ Promotions

Published 08/14/2026, 5:21 PM EDT

Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. has found itself at the center of another artificial intelligence debate after AI-generated content was reportedly spotted in promotional material tied to both The End of Oak Street and Supergirl. While the studio has not publicly addressed the backlash in detail, the incidents have reignited concerns about AI's growing role in Hollywood marketing and creative development.

The criticism comes at a time when the entertainment industry continues to grapple with questions surrounding technology, originality, and the future of creative jobs.

Why fans are criticizing Warner bros.’ use of AI

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The first controversy involved the marketing campaign for The End of Oak Street. Warner Bros. faced criticism after promoting the film using an AI-generated "dog podcast" video, which featured a digitally created dog appearing to discuss the movie. Just days later, the studio found itself dealing with another AI-related controversy involving Supergirl.

A behind-the-scenes featurette appeared to show AI-generated concept art being used while developing the look of Jason Momoa's Lobo. Fans circulated screenshots from the footage, pointing to what they believed were AI-generated design iterations displayed on a laptop during the creative process. Warner Bros. later removed the featurette, which only intensified online discussion about the studio's use of AI in production.

Credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures

Many viewers questioned why the studio relied on AI-generated promotional content instead of traditional marketing materials, with some arguing that the campaign felt disconnected from the creative work that went into making the film. The backlash became significant enough that the promotional video was reportedly removed from circulation.

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Despite involving different projects, both controversies reignited concerns about AI replacing creative talent.

The debate highlights hollywood’s ongoing AI divide

The backlash surrounding The End of Oak Street and Supergirl reflects a larger debate unfolding across Hollywood. Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly divisive topic, particularly after industry-wide concerns about its potential impact on writers, artists, and other creative workers. Studios have continued experimenting with AI-assisted tools, but public reaction has often been mixed whenever those tools become visible to audiences.

What makes Warner Bros.' situation especially notable is that the studio found itself facing criticism over two separate AI-related incidents in quick succession. As discussions about technology's place in filmmaking continue, the response to these campaigns suggests that many viewers remain uncomfortable with AI becoming too visible in the creative process.

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Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Whether the controversy ultimately affects either project remains unclear. However, the reaction serves as another reminder that audiences are paying close attention to how studios use emerging technology and that even small glimpses of AI involvement can quickly become a talking point.

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Do you think Warner Bros. should rethink its approach to AI after the backlash surrounding The End of Oak Street and Supergirl?

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Yamini Vohra

52 articles

Yamini Vohra is an Entertainment Writer at Netflix Junkie. She is an English Honours graduate and Japanese language specialist with a love for drama, fashion, anime, music, and all things pop culture. When she's not working, you'll find her buried in a book, binge-watching vlogs, or being dramatically invested in the latest Netflix obsession.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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