The Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, The Electric State, has sparked significant conversation since its debut on Friday, particularly regarding its use of AI technology. Amidst the current industry climate, the film's utilization of AI has been a focal point for fans and critics alike.
Joe Russo, co-director alongside his brother Anthony of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has come to the defense of using AI for voice modulation in The Electric State. He described the process as simple, stating, "It's something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video." In an interview with The Times, Russo addressed the apprehension surrounding AI, suggesting that "there's a lot of finger-pointing and hyperbole because people are afraid." He emphasized that as AI continues to evolve, its use will become more significant.
Russo sees a bright future for AI in creative fields, 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." He cited the limitations of AI in self-driving cars and surgical applications but highlighted its potential in creative endeavors.
However, the use of AI in creative industries remains contentious. While some studios are eager to harness the technology, many artists across various disciplines view AI as the antithesis of creativity. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed a different perspective, claiming that audiences "don't care" if AI is used in their programming. Sarandos believes AI can help creators tell better stories, drawing a parallel with the transition from hand-drawn to CG animation, which he said "got better" and resulted in more jobs.
Sarandos stated, "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 AI's rapid adoption. Last month, Marvel denied using AI to create teaser posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite one image featuring a character with a four-fingered hand, raising eyebrows and questions about AI's role in visual arts.
The Electric State was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, loosely adapted from 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 enthusiastic, 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.
