Since its debut on Friday, the Russo Brothers' new Netflix film, *The Electric State*, has been making waves in the entertainment industry, particularly due to its use of AI. Joe Russo, who co-directed *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Avengers: Endgame* with his brother Anthony, has defended the film's use of AI for voice modulation. He remarked that the technology was "something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video," highlighting its accessibility and potential.
In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the controversy 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 emphasized the current generative state of AI, noting its limitations and potential for creativity. "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," Russo explained. "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."
Despite the concerns voiced by many artists across various disciplines, who see AI as the antithesis of creativity, some studios are eager to harness its potential. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed that audiences "don’t care" if AI is used in the content they consume. Sarandos believes that AI can help creators "tell better stories," and he likened the transition to the evolution from hand-drawn to CG animation. "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," he stated. "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."
However, not all are quick to embrace AI. Last month, Marvel Studios denied using AI to create teaser posters for *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, despite rumors sparked by an image featuring a character with a four-fingered hand.
*The Electric State* was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, based on a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, which loosely adapts 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 favorable, rating it a 4/10 and describing it as "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 direct the next two Avengers films for Marvel Studios: *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026 and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027.
