We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda
These AI videos, crafted in a playful Lego-inspired style, have sparked global attention. Though they appear whimsical and fast-moving, they depict dramatic scenes: children in peril, fighter jets in action, and Donald Trump in a chaotic swirl of documents. Beneath their vibrant visuals lies a potent message—supporting Iran’s stance against the United States. In a BBC podcast episode, Top Comment, we interviewed a representative from Explosive Media, the outlet behind these clips. He chose to remain anonymous, identifying himself as Mr. Explosive, and initially claimed independence from the Iranian government. However, he later acknowledged the regime as a “customer,” a detail he had not previously disclosed publicly.
Messages of Resistance and Controversy
The core theme of the videos is Iran’s defiance of U.S. dominance. They are bold and unapologetic, using garish imagery to convey this narrative. Despite their lack of subtlety, the content has been widely shared and commented on, suggesting its effectiveness. One clip shows Trump descending into a storm of “Epstein file” documents, accompanied by rap music that warns of secrets unraveling. Another features George Floyd under a police boot, paired with the caption: “Iran stands here for everyone your system ever wronged.”
“Slopaganda”—a term from an academic paper—is insufficient to describe this ‘highly sophisticated’ content. Dr. Emma Briant, a propaganda expert, argues that AI-generated clips have reached hundreds of millions of viewers during the conflict. Their impact is amplified by the use of Western data in training models, allowing authoritarian nations to craft culturally resonant narratives.
During a video interview, Mr. Explosive appeared in silhouette, surrounded by red and green lights symbolizing the Iranian flag. On his desk sat a green-feathered helmet linked to Shia revolutionary Husayn ibn Ali, a recurring figure in their videos. When asked about the Epstein files, he explained their inclusion was to highlight the “confrontation” between Iran, which he calls “seeking truth and freedom,” and those “associated with cannibals.” This theory, though lacking evidence, is central to his messaging.
The videos also contain factual discrepancies. For instance, one depicts Iranian forces capturing a U.S. pilot, while U.S. officials stated the airman was rescued by special forces on 4 April. Mr. Explosive disputes this, asserting the focus was on “stealing uranium.” When confronted with evidence of the pilot’s treatment in Kuwait, he countered: “Only 13% of Trump’s statements are fact-based.” This alternative narrative has resonated with English-speaking audiences, as noted by a TikTok influencer who praised the “shockingly accurate” portrayal of the mission as a uranium-focused operation.
Evolution of the Propaganda Style
Explosive Media’s videos first emerged in early 2025, but their rise coincided with the U.S.-Iran war. The Lego aesthetic has since evolved, now incorporating detailed Gulf imagery like power stations and airports being obliterated by Iranian missiles. Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare expert, describes these tactics as “defensive memetic warfare,” a strategy to counter U.S. narratives by directly engaging Western viewers. The approach underscores a new era of state-driven digital influence, where visual simplicity meets strategic complexity.