Since its debut on Friday, the Russo Brothers' new Netflix film, *The Electric State*, has sparked widespread discussion, particularly regarding its use of AI amidst the current industry climate. Joe Russo, who, alongside his brother Anthony, directed *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Avengers: Endgame*, has defended the film's use of AI for voice modulation. He stated, "It's something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."
In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the concerns, saying, "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 emphasized the potential of the technology, noting, "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 across various disciplines view AI as the antithesis of creativity, some studios are eager to implement the technology when it's ready. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos asserted that audiences "don't care" if AI is used in the film and television programming they watch. He argued that the technology is "a great way for creators to tell better stories." Sarandos added, "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."
However, not everyone is quick to embrace AI. Last month, Marvel denied using AI to create teaser posters for the upcoming *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, despite some imagery featuring a character with a four-fingered hand.
*The Electric State* was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus. The film is loosely adapted from a 2018 illustrated novel by Simon Stalenhag and stars 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* gave it a 4/10, stating, "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 movies for Marvel Studios: *Avengers: Doomsday* in 2026 and *Avengers: Secret Wars* in 2027.
