Since its debut on Netflix last Friday, "The Electric State," directed by the Russo Brothers, has sparked widespread discussion, particularly regarding its use of AI technology. Joe Russo, known for co-directing "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" with his brother Anthony, has defended the incorporation of AI for voice modulation in the film. He described it as a simple task, akin to 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 highlighted the potential of AI in its current generative state, noting its "hallucinations" make it unsuitable for mission-critical applications like self-driving cars or AI-assisted surgery. However, Russo believes that in this state, AI is "best suited towards creativity."
Despite opposition from many artists who view AI as the opposite of creativity, some industry leaders, including Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, are enthusiastic about its potential. In July 2024, Sarandos remarked that audiences are indifferent to AI use in their entertainment, emphasizing that the technology is "a great way for creators to tell better stories." He drew parallels with the transition from hand-drawn to CG animation, which he said improved the quality and expanded job opportunities in the animation industry.
"The Electric State" was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, based on a script by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, 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 favorable, giving it a 4/10 and describing it as a "$300-million anti-event movie" resulting from the collaboration between Marvel's hitmakers and Netflix's algorithmic approach.
Amidst the AI debate, Marvel recently denied using the technology for teaser posters of their upcoming film "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," despite some visual anomalies in the imagery.
Looking forward, 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.
