Eli Roth Confirms AI Used in Ice Cream Man Film

Director Eli Roth has confirmed the use of generative artificial intelligence in his new horror film, "Ice Cream Man," clarifying earlier statements that he had hand-drawn a key animated sequence. The film is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on August 7, 2026.

Roth initially described the creation of a Fleischer Studios-style cartoon sequence in the film, which features an eerie animation that plays on children's phones and seemingly hypnotizes them into becoming killers. In an interview, he stated he had an animation background and personally drew the frames, working with a team to achieve an old-fashioned, jittery feel inspired by 1920s Mickey Mouse cartoons.

Speculation about AI use arose when early copies of the film listed Dark Half, an AI visual effects company, in the credits. When asked for clarification, Roth issued a statement acknowledging the technology's role. "I misspoke. AI was used in a very small portion of a few scenes in the film," Roth said. "It was an opportunity where technology and creativity came together to help bring my vision for the film to life."

The director did not specify which scenes utilized generative AI or confirm whether the animated...