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

Since its debut on Friday, the Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, The Electric State, has sparked intense discussions, particularly around its use of AI. Joe Russo, who, along with his brother Anthony, helmed the blockbuster hits Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has staunchly defended the integration of AI for voice modulation in the movie. He described the process as something "any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video," emphasizing its simplicity.

In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the controversy head-on, suggesting that the backlash stems from fear and misunderstanding. "There’s a lot of finger-pointing and hyperbole because people are afraid," he stated. "They don’t understand. But ultimately you’ll see AI used more significantly." Russo further elaborated on AI's potential, particularly in its current generative state, which he referred to as having "hallucinations." He pointed out that while AI isn't yet suitable for mission-critical tasks like self-driving cars or AI-assisted surgery due to these hallucinations, it holds immense promise for creative endeavors.

Despite opposition from many artists who view AI as contrary to genuine creativity, major studios appear eager to harness the technology. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed that audiences are indifferent to AI's use in film and TV. "Audiences don’t care if AI is used in the film and television programming they watch," Sarandos claimed, adding that AI is "a great way for creators to tell better stories." He drew parallels to the transition from hand-drawn to CG animation, noting that animation has improved and expanded as a field, not merely become cheaper.

However, not all in the industry are quick to adopt AI. Marvel recently denied using AI to generate teaser posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite noticeable anomalies in the artwork.

The Electric State was directed and produced by the Russo Brothers, with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, loosely based on Simon Stalenhag's 2018 illustrated novel. The film boasts a star-studded 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. The review stated, "Marvel’s biggest hitmakers join forces again with the Netflix algorithm to deliver The Electric State, a $300-million anti-event movie."

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