AI-Powered Batman Ad Fuels Spencer Pratt’s Los Angeles Mayoral Bid

An AI-crafted video released on X by filmmaker Charlie Curran of Menace Studios depicts Los Angeles as a Gotham-style dystopia. The clip shows Mayor Karen Bass as the Joker, Governor Gavin Newsom eating cake, former Vice President Kamala Harris chugging vodka, and “DSA” agents ridiculing a citizen pleading for help with homelessness and wildfire damage. Spencer Pratt, dressed as Batman, signals a Bat-Signal and leads a tomato-throwing revolt that forces the elite trio to flee. The 99-second ad has amassed between 3.6 million and 3.9 million views and over 10 000 reposts.

The Hill

Pratt, a former reality-TV personality, entered the nonpartisan mayoral race in January and has focused criticism on Bass’s wildfire response and city-wide homelessness. The ad arrives amid growing use of generative-AI tools—such as ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0—in political advertising. Experts note that AI videos can be produced quickly and at low cost, raising questions about future campaign tactics.

The Wrap

• Spencer Pratt – Republican mayoral candidate, reposted the video.

The Guardian

• Charlie Curran – Filmmaker, founder of Menace Studios, creator of the AI ad.

Hollywood Reporter

• Karen Bass – Incumbent mayor, portrayed as the Joker.

The Hill

• Gavin Newsom – California governor, shown eating cake.

The Hill

• Kamala Harris – Former vice president, depicted drinking vodka.

The Wrap

• Nithya Raman – City councilmember and mayoral contender, shown as a puppet.

The Guardian

• Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Matt Gaetz – Conservative officials who praised the ad.

The Hill

• Steve Caplan – USC political-advertising professor commenting on AI ads.

Hollywood Reporter

• Latinos for Spencer Pratt – Advocacy group producing additional AI videos.

The Wrap

A UC Berkeley–Los Angeles Times poll reported Bass at roughly 25 % support, Pratt at 14 %, and Raman at 17 %, with about a quarter of voters undecided. Earlier polling placed Bass at 25 %, Pratt at 11 %, and Raman at 9 %. Early voting runs May 23–June 1; the nonpartisan primary is scheduled for June 2.

The Hill

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush described the spot as “maybe the best political ad of the year.” Senator Ted Cruz responded with an eyes emoji, while former Representative Matt Gaetz called it a “maximalist expression of what a political ad can do.” Pratt has labeled Bass “an incredible liar” and highlighted his own home’s destruction by wildfire. Steve Caplan warned that the ad’s shock value may not translate into voter turnout, especially in a Democratic-majority city. Neither Bass nor Raman issued comments to date.

Hollywood Reporter

The ad raises ethical concerns about using AI to depict public officials without consent, potentially blurring fact-checking lines. Critics note the vulgar portrayal of Newsom and Harris, and the inclusion of a trans-migrant slur. Hollywood workers have expressed unease about AI-generated content supplanting traditional production. Political analysts question whether the novelty of AI ads can overcome entrenched partisan voting patterns.

Hollywood Reporter

Sources differ on whether Curran is formally linked to Pratt’s campaign; both he and the candidate declined comment. Bass and Raman have not responded to inquiries about the video. Poll figures vary between reports, and the precise AI tools employed remain unverified beyond Curran’s mention of Seedance 2.0.

Hollywood Reporter

• “maybe the best political ad of the year.” — Jeb Bush, former Florida Governor

Hollywood Reporter

• “They’re cheap, fast and consultants hate spending money on production. You can crank out rapid response in hours,” — Steve Caplan, USC political-advertising expert

The Guardian

• “If there’s ever an idea that I have and I don’t do it right away and I wake up the next morning like, wait, I have to do this, I know it’s going to go viral,” — Charlie Curran, filmmaker, Menace Studios

Hollywood Reporter

• “If you were a transgender migrant, I could get you a free p-ssy,” — AI-generated Gov. Gavin Newsom in the ad

The Wrap

• “Bass already solved crime.” — AI-generated former Vice President Kamala Harris in the ad

The Wrap

The video illustrates how AI can amplify a candidate’s message while circumventing traditional production costs. Its rapid dissemination and viral potential suggest that future elections may see increased reliance on synthetic media, prompting calls for clearer disclosure standards and regulatory oversight.

Hollywood Reporter

Pratt and his opponents faced a televised debate on May 6, after which the AI ad was reposted. Early voting begins May 23, and the June 2 primary will determine whether the race proceeds to a runoff between the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation.

The Guardian