Fans Criticize Darren Aronofsky’s New AI Series on Revolutionary War

Fans of acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky have expressed significant backlash following the release of his new series, On This Day…1776, produced by his AI film studio Primordial Soup in collaboration with Google DeepMind. The series, which uses artificial intelligence to recreate pivotal moments from the American Revolution, premiered its first two episodes on YouTube on January 29, 2026.

This project is particularly timely, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July. The partnership with Google was first announced in May 2025, aiming to explore innovative storytelling methods through the integration of technology and traditional filmmaking.

Despite the ambitious concept, the reception has been overwhelmingly negative. Many fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with comments ranging from harsh critiques of the series’ quality to outright rejection of Aronofsky’s creative direction. One user expressed disillusionment, stating, “Spent most of 2025 going to bat for Darren Aronofsky just to find out he’s an AI-loving dork.”

Social Media Backlash and Criticism

Criticism intensified as viewers highlighted perceived flaws in the series. A notable incident involved a screenshot from the show where the word “America” was misspelled. This prompted one commenter to remark, “Yes that’s supposed to say America on the bottom,” underscoring their frustration with the production quality. Others echoed similar sentiments, stating their expectations were low but were still shocked by what they described as “AI slop.”

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and the r/movies subreddit, comments ranged from hopes that the project “bombs spectacularly” to accusations of hypocrisy directed at Aronofsky. Critics pointed out the juxtaposition between his previous works, such as Mother! and Black Swan, which tackled profound themes regarding humanity and the environment, and his current venture into AI-generated content.

One user remarked, “Didn’t this guy literally make the movie Mother, which had some pretty on-the-nose metaphorical messaging about humans and their awful relationship with the environment?” This reflection highlights a growing concern among fans regarding the implications of using AI in artistic expression.

Future Projects and Industry Impact

The controversy surrounding On This Day…1776 raises broader questions about the role of AI in filmmaking and storytelling. As technology continues to evolve, creators like Aronofsky are at the forefront of this transformation. Nonetheless, the backlash may influence how future projects are approached, especially those that incorporate AI tools.

Despite the criticism of the series, Aronofsky is set to work on an erotic thriller in collaboration with Gillian Flynn, the author of Gone Girl, while also co-producing the upcoming horror mystery thriller Pendulum. His latest film, Caught Stealing, released in 2025, received a four-star review from NME and showcased his ability to produce engaging content, even as public sentiment shifts regarding his current endeavors.

As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of artificial intelligence, the reaction to Aronofsky’s series serves as a potent reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and audience acceptance. The coming months will reveal whether this series can pivot public opinion or if it will serve as a cautionary tale in the evolving landscape of film and technology.