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

There’s no denying the buzz surrounding the Russo Brothers' latest Netflix release, *The Electric State*, which has been the talk of the town since its debut last Friday. Amidst the current landscape of the entertainment industry, fans are particularly keen on discussing the film's innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI).

In a recent interview with The Times, Joe Russo, who co-directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame alongside his brother Anthony, defended the application of AI for voice modulation in The Electric State. He humorously remarked, "It’s something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."

Joe Russo addressed the skepticism 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 expressed optimism about the technology’s potential, adding, "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’s why self-driving cars haven’t taken over, or why AI surgery isn’t happening worldwide. But in its generative state, AI is best suited towards creativity."

While many artists across various fields believe AI undermines creativity, some studios seem eager to embrace the technology when it becomes more practical. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos confidently declared that audiences "don’t care" whether AI is used in the films and TV shows they watch. He emphasized, "AI is a great way for creators to tell better stories." Sarandos highlighted the positive impact of advancements like computer-generated animation, noting that it has improved storytelling while creating more opportunities for artists.

Not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Last month, Marvel denied allegations that AI was used to create teaser posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite one of the images featuring a character with a four-fingered hand.

Directed and produced by the Russo Brothers, The Electric State is based on a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, adapted from Simon Stalenhag’s 2018 illustrated novel. The star-studded cast includes 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 rated it 4/10, describing it as "Marvel’s biggest hitmakers joining forces with the Netflix algorithm to deliver The Electric State, a $300-million anti-event movie."

The Russo Brothers are set to helm the next two Avengers films for Marvel Studios: Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).