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

The Russo brothers' new Netflix film, The Electric State, has generated significant buzz since its release, sparking considerable debate about its use of AI, particularly for voice modulation. Joe Russo, director of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, defended this choice, stating it was a relatively simple process, accessible even to a ten-year-old familiar with TikTok. He acknowledged the anxieties surrounding AI but emphasized its growing importance, viewing its current "hallucinatory" generative state as best suited for creative applications rather than mission-critical tasks.

This perspective contrasts with the views of many artists who see AI as antithetical to creativity. However, some studios, like Netflix, are enthusiastic about AI's potential. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos argued that audiences are unconcerned about AI's use in filmmaking and that it can enhance storytelling, drawing a parallel to the evolution of animation from hand-drawn to CG.

This optimism isn't universally shared. Last month, Marvel denied using AI for teaser posters of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite a four-fingered hand appearing in one image.

The Electric State, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and adapted from Simon Stalenhag's 2018 novel, boasts 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. IGN's review gave the film a 4/10, criticizing it as a costly disappointment.

The Russo brothers are also set to direct the next two Avengers films for Marvel Studios: Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).