Disney's highly anticipated 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' has garnered significant attention this weekend for cleverly subverting a prevalent narrative regarding artificial intelligence. A particular 'AI meme' featured within the film, which depicts Meryl Streep's iconic character, Miranda Priestly, working in a fast-food establishment, has become a focal point of discussion. The intriguing twist is that this visual was not, in fact, generated by AI.

Contrary to the pervasive notion that AI is an unavoidable force in creative industries, the production team of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' deliberately chose a different path. Instead of utilizing AI tools, they specifically hired a human artist to create the image. The artist's explicit brief was to meticulously replicate the distinct aesthetic and characteristics often associated with AI-generated visuals, colloquially referred to as 'AI slop.' This decision creates a conceptual ouroboros, where human artistry is employed to mimic technological output.

This creative choice serves as a commentary on the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI's role in art and entertainment. By having a human meticulously craft an image designed to look like AI-generated content, the film implicitly challenges the assumption that AI is an unstoppable wave destined to replace human creativity. It highlights the continued value and capability of human artists, even in contexts where their work is intended to playfully deceive or critique the output of machines.