Russia to Create Its Own AI-Generated Superhero — a Local Alternative to Batman
Russian creators are developing the country’s first full-length animated film made entirely with artificial intelligence. The project, ten times cheaper than traditional 3D animation, could redefine how creative industries use AI — and introduce Russia’s answer to Batman.
AI Handles Everything Except the Storyline
The creative studio Samovar is producing Russia’s first feature-length animated film created with AI. Scheduled for release in 2028, the project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can become an efficient creative partner, dramatically reducing costs while leaving humans in charge of storytelling. AI is used to design characters, animation, sound, and special effects — while the script remains entirely human-written.
According to Artyom Ovsyannikov, director of the Innovation Support Agency in Irkutsk and the project’s creator, the film’s budget is around roughly $550,000. A similar 3D animation project typically costs between approximately $3.2m and $5.3m. That means AI cuts production costs by a factor of five to ten without compromising quality.
A Superhero Born Beneath Lake Baikal
The movie tells an alternative history of Lake Baikal, where an ancient civilization called the Siba lives beneath the lake’s surface. Once inhabitants of the future Baikal region, they retreated underground 30,000 years ago after a cataclysm, building a high-tech subterranean city.
These ancient humans harnessed advanced technologies — spaceflight, robotics, and eco-friendly machinery — without harming nature.
At the heart of this world stands Timen, a kind humanoid robot with the extraordinary ability to find thousands of positive solutions to any problem. “Timen advocates for ecology,” Ovsyannikov explained. “Our goal is to show that every person should care for nature while showcasing Baikal’s beauty and promoting ‘meaningful tourism’ to its shores.”
Building a New Digital Reality
The filmmakers aim to popularize digital literacy and promote a new type of digital reality through the movie — while creating Russia’s own superhero alternative to global icons like Spider-Man and Batman. AI-assisted animation is not new to Russia, but Samovar’s project marks a turning point.
For Russia’s IT and creative sectors, it signals a shift toward systematic use of AI across the production pipeline, potentially transforming the economics of film creation. This could also help Russia strengthen its leadership in digital content and modern animation. Beyond technology, the project promotes local culture and introduces a distinctly Russian superhero.
If successful, it may represent a kind of cultural import substitution — replacing Western archetypes with homegrown heroes.
A New Opportunity for Small Studios — and Global Reach
Samovar’s project marks a move from experimental clips to industrial-scale animation powered by AI. Experts say this could become a catalyst for small studios and young creators who lack major funding. With AI tools, they can now produce high-quality content at a fraction of traditional costs. The film’s universal themes and visual appeal could attract both Russian and international audiences, opening new opportunities at global animation festivals.
It also positions Russia as a player in the emerging AI-driven creative industry — where technology and human imagination work hand in hand.
