Chinese studio criticized for using AI to make gay couple straight in body horror film

A U.S. film distributor has criticized a Chinese studio for reportedly using artificial intelligence to turn a gay couple straight when distributing the body horror movie “Together” in China.

HONG KONG — A U.S. film distributor has criticized a Chinese studio for reportedly using artificial intelligence to make a gay couple straight when distributing the body-horror film “Together” in China.

Early this month, moviegoers who attended preview screenings said on Chinese social media that one of two men shown getting married in the film was digitally altered into a woman, most likely with AI.

Neon, the film’s global distributor, said Wednesday that it “does not approve of” the “unauthorized” edit of the film by Chengdu-based film distributor Hishow and that screenings of the altered version must be stopped, Deadline reported.

Written and directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks, the movie tells the story of a couple, played by American actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco, who move to the countryside to save their relationship and encounter a mysterious force that draws them closer.

Hishow offered the first prerelease screenings in 11 Chinese cities starting Sept. 12, with the movie scheduled to be released nationwide on Sept. 19.