Stop! That! Train!' Director Denies Film's Speculated AI Use: RuPaul-Led "Movie Is Fully Human Made

Stop! That! Train!' director Adam Shankman publicly denied online claims that the film used fully generative AI shots. In an Instagram post, he asserted there are zero AI-conceived shots and credited hundreds of VFX artists who delivered the film. Shankman asked audiences to regard the movie as a fully human-made comedy from RuPaul's Drag Race universe.

The controversy followed social-media posts and a Letterboxd review by VFX artist Gloria Cook alleging heavy AI aesthetics and stock-footage use. Hollywood Reporter critic David Rooney praised RuPaul's performance but noted some jokes miss, while Ginger Minj and Jujubee were singled out as standout performers. Stop! That! Train! is the first feature from RuPaul's Drag Race, produced by World of Wonder, and hits theaters on June 12.

The film also features leading Drag Race alumni among its cast, contributing to a distinctly LGBTQ-targeted humor. Industry observers debated whether AI could reduce costs without compromising the craft, a concern Shankman countered with his stance. The director's message underscores efforts to combat misinformation as the release nears.