"Joe Russo on AI in 'The Electric State': Enhances Creativity"

The Russo Brothers' latest Netflix venture, The Electric State, has sparked considerable conversation since its debut on Friday. Amidst the ongoing discourse around AI in the film industry, Joe Russo, one half of the directing duo behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has staunchly defended the use of AI for voice modulation in the film. In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo likened the technology to something simple enough for a "10-year-old to do after watching a TikTok video."

Joe Russo addressed the apprehension surrounding AI, stating, "There’s a lot of finger-pointing and hyperbole because people are afraid. They don’t understand. But ultimately you’ll see AI used more significantly." He further elaborated on AI's potential, explaining, "Also, AI is in its generative state now, where it has, as we call them, hallucinations. You can’t do mission-critical work with something that hallucinates. That is a reason self-driving cars haven’t taken over, or why AI surgery is not taking place worldwide. But in its generative state, AI is best suited towards creativity."

While many artists argue that AI is the antithesis of creativity, some industry leaders, including Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, see the technology as an asset. In July 2024, Sarandos expressed that audiences "don’t care" about AI's use in their entertainment. He emphasized the potential for AI to enhance storytelling, stating, "Animation didn't get cheaper, it got better in the move from hand-drawn to CG animation, and more people work in animation today than ever in history. So I'm pretty sure there's a better business and a bigger business in making content 10% better than there is in making it 50% cheaper."

Despite the enthusiasm from some quarters, not all in the industry are ready to embrace AI. Marvel, for instance, denied using AI to create teaser posters for their upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite noticeable anomalies like a four-fingered hand in the imagery.

The Electric State is directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, based loosely on Simon Stalenhag's 2018 illustrated novel. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Woody Harrelson, Jason Alexander, Anthony Mackie, Jenny Slate, Giancarlo Esposito, Brian Cox, and Stanley Tucci.

IGN's review of The Electric State was less than enthusiastic, awarding it a 4/10 and describing it as a "$300-million anti-event movie" that combines the Russo Brothers' blockbuster style with Netflix's algorithmic approach.

Looking ahead, the Russo Brothers are set to direct the next two Avengers films for Marvel Studios: Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.