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

The Russo Brothers' latest Netflix release, *The Electric State*, has sparked significant conversation since its debut on Friday. Amidst the current industry climate, the film's use of AI has become a focal point of discussion. Joe Russo, who co-directed the film with his brother Anthony, has publicly defended the use of AI for voice modulation, suggesting that it's a simple task that even a 10-year-old could accomplish after watching a TikTok tutorial.

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 AI, explaining, "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 many artists across various disciplines viewing AI as the opposite of creativity, major studios appear eager to integrate the technology once it's fully developed. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed that audiences are indifferent to the use of AI in their entertainment. Sarandos emphasized the technology's potential to enhance storytelling, 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."

However, not everyone is quick to embrace AI. Last month, Marvel Studios denied using AI to design teaser posters for their upcoming film *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, despite noticeable anomalies in the artwork, such as a four-fingered hand.

*The Electric State* was directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, 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 favorable, scoring 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.