Joe Russo: AI Used for Voice in Netflix's 'The Electric State', Boosts Creativity

There's no denying that the Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, The Electric State, has been the talk of the town since its debut on Friday. Given the current climate in the industry, fans have been particularly vocal about its use of AI. Joe Russo, who co-directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame with his brother Anthony, has staunchly defended the use of AI for voice modulation in the film. He described it as "something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."

In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the controversy, 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 the potential of the technology, saying, "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."

Despite the pushback from many artists who view AI as the antithesis of creativity, some studios are eager to integrate the technology once it's ready. Back in July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos stated that audiences "don’t care" if AI is used in the films and television shows they watch. He emphasized that AI 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 their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite the noticeable anomaly of a four-fingered hand in the imagery.

The Electric State was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus. It's loosely based on Simon Stalenhag's 2018 illustrated novel and features 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 favorable, giving 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 movies for Marvel Studios: Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.