Avengers Director Joe Russo Says AI Was Used for Voice Modulation in Netflix Film The Electric State, Insists 'AI Is Best Suited Towards Creativity'

Since its debut on Friday, the Russo Brothers' latest Netflix film, The Electric State, has sparked widespread conversation, particularly around its use of AI amidst the current industry climate. Joe Russo, one half of the directing duo behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has defended the film's use of AI for voice modulation, describing it as "something 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 highlighted the potential of the technology, 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."

While some artists across various disciplines view AI as the antithesis of creativity, major studios seem eager to adopt the technology once it's ready. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos expressed that audiences "don’t care" about AI being used in the content they watch, and he believes the technology is "a great way for creators to tell better stories." He further explained, "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 jumping on the AI bandwagon. Last month, Marvel Studios refuted claims of using AI to create teaser posters for their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite some noticeable AI-generated anomalies in the imagery.

The Electric State, directed and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, was adapted from Simon Stalenhag's 2018 illustrated novel. The film features a star-studded 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. Despite the buzz, IGN's review gave the movie a disappointing 4/10, labeling 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.