We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it’s powerful propaganda

We Spoke to the Creator of Viral Lego-Inspired AI Propaganda for Iran

At first glance, the videos resemble scenes from a Lego-themed fantasy, but they’re far from playful. These AI-generated clips, styled after the iconic Lego aesthetic, depict dramatic imagery—children in distress, fighter jets, and Donald Trump—while serving as pro-Iranian propaganda. The BBC’s Top Comment podcast recently interviewed a representative from Explosive Media, the outlet behind these videos, who requested to be called Mr. Explosive. He initially downplayed ties to the Iranian government, but later acknowledged the regime as a “customer,” a term he had not previously publicly confirmed.

From Independence to Regime Alignment

Explosive Media has claimed in past interviews to operate independently. However, during the interview, Mr. Explosive revealed the Iranian government’s role in funding their content. The videos’ central theme is Iran’s struggle against the United States, portrayed as a global oppressor. Despite their visually bold yet unsubtle style, these clips have sparked widespread engagement, with millions sharing and commenting on them.

Themes and Tactic: “Slopaganda” vs. Sophisticated Messaging

One video features Trump tumbling through a storm of “Epstein file” documents, accompanied by rap lyrics warning of “secrets leaking, pressure rising.” Another shows George Floyd under a policeman’s boot, framing Iran as a champion for those wronged by the U.S. system. Dr. Emma Briant, a propaganda expert, argues that “slopaganda”—a term from an academic paper—fails to capture the potency of these “highly sophisticated” AI clips. They’ve been viewed hundreds of millions of times during the conflict, according to estimates.

Visual Symbolism and Strategic Choices

During the video call, Mr. Explosive appeared in silhouette, with red and green lights—symbolizing the Iranian flag—behind him. On his desk, a green-feathered helmet linked to Shia warrior Husayn ibn Ali was visible. He explained the use of Lego-style graphics: “It’s a world language.” Iranian and Russian state media accounts on X frequently share these clips, reaching millions. When asked about the Epstein files, he cited them to illustrate the “confrontation” between Iran, “seeking truth and freedom,” and “those who associate themselves with cannibals,” a theory without solid evidence.

Factual Discrepancies and Narrative Control

Mr. Explosive defended a video showing an Iranian military capturing a downed U.S. pilot. U.S. officials stated the airman was rescued by special forces on 4 April and is now receiving treatment in Kuwait. He dismissed this, claiming: “Possibly there was no lost pilot, no rescue. Their main goal was to steal uranium.” When challenged, he added: “Only 13% of what Trump says is based on facts.” This alternative narrative has resonated with some English-speaking audiences, including TikTok influencer @newswithsteph, who called the Lego-style videos “shockingly accurate” in their portrayal of a uranium-focused mission.

AI’s Role in Authoritarian Propaganda

Dr. Tine Munk, a cyber warfare expert at Nottingham Trent University, describes Iran’s tactics as “defensive memetic warfare.” She notes that AI tools, trained on Western data, allow authoritarian states to craft “culturally appropriate” content—a capability previously lacking. Explosive Media’s videos, which emerged in early 2025, have grown in popularity amid the U.S.-Iran war. They now include hyper-detailed Gulf locations, such as power stations and industrial sites, depicted as entirely obliterated by Iranian missiles. While some real-world damage exists, the videos amplify a narrative of total destruction, shaping public perception through strategic visual storytelling.