Wrexham AFC has become the latest sensation in English football thanks to the undiluted spirit of its Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. After splurging out £2 million ($2.5 million) in November 2020, an additional whopping £12.4 million ($10 million) went into turning over its fortunes. Remarkably, the duo’s gallant efforts did pay off as Wrexham made its way to a high that was not seen in years.

Amidst the goodwill and celebrations came season 2 of Welcome to Wrexham. The documentary went through the unprecedented development of the team and its town. However, after striking a good chord with major audiences, the celebrated flick is under scrutiny by fans.

Welcome to Wrexham used AI imagery to depict a scene

Season 1 of Welcome to Wrexham won over critics and audiences with its touching story of two spirited stars uplifting a Welsh town out of oblivion. Moreover, it struck such a chord that it even went on to win Ryan Reynolds his first-ever Emmy. However, the second season, which premiered on September 12, 2023, has a scene that is very questionable. A photograph that was meant to depict the Welsh working class had an eerie resemblance to AI-generated photos.

In a detailed Reddit post, viewers pointed out the several flaws in the photo that made it fit the bill of a ‘fake’ image. Obvious and glaring signs such as irregular hands, a floating beer jug, and a jagged person all pointed to the fact the scene was, in fact, artificial. Thus, the inclusion of such a scene in a well-placed documentary upheld that the SAG-AGTRA strikes actually hold meaning. Fans stood alarmed over the growing use of AI and CGI in Hollywood.

The fact that Welcome to Wrexham would use an AI-generated image did not fit well with fans, as Reynolds himself is a member of the SAG-AFTRA union. Moreover, his own movie is currently in deep turmoil.

Will Marvel retort to AI in Ryan Reynolds starrer Deadpool 3?

One of the most unanimous concerns fans had over AI in Welcome to Wrexham was whether Ryan Reynolds would bring it over to Marvel. The beloved and hotly anticipated comic-book crossover is reeling under significant delays owing to strikes advocating for safeguards from AI. Meanwhile, Marvel Studios itself was under fire recently when it included an AI-generated credits roll for its Secret Invasion show.

As for Deadpool 3, the Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds event is busy lining up stars for the mega-show. Along with Emma Corrin, many names such as Daniel Radcliffe, Owen Wilson, Tom Hiddleston, as well more of the original X-Men from the Fox Universe are meant to have their way in. After repeated poorly received Marvel projects, fans do not want the studio to miss its mark with Deadpool 3. Thus, the concern regarding extensive AI and CGI.

What are your thoughts on AI creeping into movies and shows in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.