Super Mario Galaxy Movie Promo Site to Use Generative AI Despite Nintendo’s Opposition

On April 1st, audiences are not expected to encounter generative AI in the upcoming release of the *Super Mario Galaxy Movie*—scheduled for 2026. While Nintendo and Illumination express reluctance toward using such tools, their partners seem to have differing viewpoints. A General Mills website promoting the film showcases several questionable images that could potentially provoke criticism from the gaming giant.

Suspicions Around General Mills’ Use of AI

TheGamer highlighted a discovery made by caroliner_draws on social media. Within the activities section of the itsgalaxytime site, two images depict a living room adorned with Mario and Yoshi-themed decor. A closer look at one of the movie posters reveals an improbable design, raising suspicions about its authenticity.

Another compelling indication of AI-generated images is the unintelligible text featured on the coffee table. Additionally, the second image presents Mario hats that appear unusually crafted. Furthermore, a reader identified the Google Gemini logo in the corner of the photo, adding to the skepticism.

It’s crucial to understand that General Mills is not directly involved in the production of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. Instead, they are offering limited-edition cereals, snacks, and even cookie dough featuring related artwork. Nonetheless, Illumination’s CEO Chris Meledandri stands firmly against the notion of generative AI supplanting human animators.

Nintendo’s Position on Generative AI

In a similar vein, Nintendo’s game developers approach these tools with skepticism, unlike some of their industry counterparts. President Shuntaro Furukawa asserts that machine learning cannot replicate the skills of talented creators. Being highly protective of its intellectual properties, Nintendo also harbors copyright concerns. Additionally, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and Zelda, shows hesitance in following industry trends.

Recently, Nintendo addressed rumors about using AI for its marketing of the My Mario toys, which stemmed from a strangely positioned thumb in an image. The model clarified that she was on the set during the photoshoot, dispelling any doubts.

In the case of General Mills’ website, the evidence supporting concerns appears to be more substantial. Despite being third-party promoters of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, fans are calling on Nintendo and Illumination to address the situation publicly.