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

The Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, *The Electric State*, has sparked considerable conversation since its debut on Friday. Amidst the current industry climate, the film's use of AI has been a focal point of discussion. Joe Russo, who co-directed the film with his brother Anthony, has staunchly defended the integration of AI for voice modulation, describing it as a simple task that "any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."

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 potential of the technology, noting that "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 many artists across various fields viewing AI as the antithesis of creativity, some studios are eager to adopt the technology once it's fully developed. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed that audiences "don't care" if AI is used in the content they consume. He further argued that AI is "a great way for creators to tell better stories." Sarandos also drew a parallel with animation, stating, "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."

Not everyone is on board with the rapid adoption of AI, however. Last month, Marvel Studios refuted claims of using AI to create teaser posters for *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, despite noticeable anomalies like a four-fingered hand in the artwork.

*The Electric State* was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, based loosely on 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, awarding 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.