Interestingly Andrew Lesnie's cinematography specifically stuck these digital armies in the background & wideshots, to emphasize this tool's ("MASSIVE") strengths & de-emphasize its weaknesses.
MASSIVE got widely used after Lord of the Rings, but I wouldn't say anyone else really *needed* the tech like that trilogy did.
My points:
1. "AI" is a brand, which has been applied to different tech over time.
2. Popular films have used such tech to great effect!
2/2 Fin!