A data center boss hit back at AI skeptics like Michael Burry and Jim Chanos with a nod to 'Superman'
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A data center executive recently compared AI skeptics like Michael Burry and Jim Chanos to Lex Luthor's army of monkeys from the "Superman" movie, which spreads negativity online. Frank Holmes, chairman of HIVE Digital Technologies, used a GIF during his company’s earnings webcast to illustrate how relentless criticism, much like the monkeys' vitriol, can erode confidence in AI innovation. He dismissed concerns about excessive spending on data centers, emphasizing strong demand and dismissing short-term traders stirring up negativity for profit.
Holmes highlighted that tech giants are investing heavily in AI infrastructure due to high demand, not just because of speculative hype. While acknowledging the scale of investments, he argued that the market's growth trajectory suggests continued expansion rather than imminent collapse. His presentation aimed to counter the narrative put forth by Burry and Chanos, who have been shorting sectors like bitcoin mining, Nvidia, and hyperscale computing, warning about potential overinvestment.
Burry and Chanos' skepticism centers on whether tech companies will achieve returns on their massive AI spending. They question the profitability of such investments and express doubt about the "winner-take-all" dynamics in AI, similar to search engines. Their concerns reflect broader debates about the sustainability of AI-driven growth and the risks of speculative market behavior.
This matters to business readers as it touches on critical trends shaping tech and finance: the rapid adoption of AI, massive infrastructure investments by major tech firms, and the role of short-term speculation in driving market dynamics. The article highlights the tension between optimism about AI's future and cautionary voices warning of potential overextension, making it a key topic for investors and industry watchers.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026