Since its debut on Friday, the Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, The Electric State, has sparked significant discussion, particularly regarding its use of AI in production. Joe Russo, who co-directed the film with his brother Anthony, has been vocal about defending the use of AI for voice modulation, suggesting it's a simple tool that "any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."
In a recent 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 AI, noting, "Also, 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 various artists who view AI as contrary to creativity, industry leaders like Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos have expressed enthusiasm for the technology. In a July 2024 statement, Sarandos claimed that audiences "don't care" about the use of AI in their entertainment and praised it as "a great way for creators to tell better stories." He likened the evolution of AI in filmmaking to the transition from hand-drawn to CG animation, saying, "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, however. Marvel Studios recently had to clarify that they did not use AI to create teaser posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, following rumors sparked by an image featuring a character with a four-fingered hand.
The Electric State is directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, loosely based 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 enthusiastic, 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 films for Marvel Studios: Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
