Darren Aronofsky’s name is now at the center of an AI storm.
The Oscar-nominated filmmaker’s new short-form series, On This Day… 1776, has ignited fierce backlash online after viewers got their first look at the AI-heavy production. The project, created through Aronofsky’s AI-focused studio Primordial Soup in partnership with Google DeepMind, TIME Studios, and Salesforce, was designed to showcase the potential of generative AI in dramatizing moments from the American Revolutionary War.
Instead, it has sparked a debate about whether artificial intelligence is ready for prime time in storytelling.
The series uses AI image-generation tools to create historical visuals, paired with narration from professional voice actors. But early episodes were quickly criticized for what many viewers described as awkward visuals, distorted backgrounds, lifeless facial expressions, and distracting aesthetic glitches. Screenshots circulating on social media drew comparisons to unfinished concept art rather than polished cinematic storytelling.
Major outlets weighed in with harsh reviews. Critics called the imagery unsettling and visually inconsistent, pointing to what is often referred to as the “uncanny valley” effect. Some described the series as proof that AI-generated content still lacks the emotional depth and coherence audiences expect from narrative film and television.
The backlash has been particularly pointed because of Aronofsky’s involvement. Known for visually meticulous films like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, he has built a reputation on carefully crafted imagery and intense emotional storytelling. For some fans and industry observers, attaching his name to an AI-first experiment felt jarring.
Beyond aesthetics, the controversy has fueled broader conversations about the role of AI in entertainment. Critics argue that relying too heavily on generative tools risks sidelining human artists and lowering creative standards. Supporters counter that experimentation is necessary for technological evolution and that early projects often stumble before the medium matures.
For now, On This Day… 1776 has become a flashpoint in the culture war over AI and art. Whether it is remembered as a failed experiment or an early stepping stone toward a new era of filmmaking remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: audiences are not ready to applaud AI storytelling just because a major director is involved.
