The Russo Bros. Defend the Use of AI in THE ELECTRIC STATE: "People Are Afraid"

The Russo Bros. embraced the use of artificial intelligence when making their latest film project The Electric State despite the growing controversy around it. The film, set in the aftermath of a war between humans and robots, utilizes AI for voice modulation, a practice the directing duo says is already widespread in Hollywood.In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the backlash AI has received, saying: "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 also downplayed the complexity of AI tools, adding, "Something any ten-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."While some argue AI is a threat to creative industries, Russo believes it’s currently best suited for artistic applications rather than high-stakes fields. Joe Explained: "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."Maybe they could’ve used it to help write the script for The Electirc State, it couldn’t have been any worse than the one that was used for the film. Yikes! It was so bad. This isn’t the first time the Marvel filmmakers have defended AI’s role in moviemaking. Back in 2023, Joe predicted AI could shape the future of storytelling, even suggesting it might be capable of creating entire films. He said: "Potentially, what you could do with it is obviously use it to engineer storytelling and change storytelling. So you have a constantly evolving story, either in a game or in a movie, or a TV show."You could walk into your house and save the AI on your streaming platform. ‘Hey, I want a movie starring my photoreal avatar and Marilyn Monroe's photoreal avatar. “I want it to be a rom-com because I've had a rough day,' and it renders a very competent story with dialogue that mimics your voice. Suddenly now you have a rom-com starring you that's 90 minutes long. So you can curate your story specifically to you."Not everyone in Hollywood shares this enthusiasm. James Cameron, for instance, is reportedly adding a title card at the beginning of Avatar: Fire and Ash to make it clear that no generative AI was used in its production.As AI continues to weave itself into filmmaking, the debate is far from over. While some see it as a creative tool, others view it as a looming threat. The Russo Bros., however, remain firm in their belief: AI isn’t going anywhere.

Mar 20, 2025 - 19:17

The Russo Bros. Defend the Use of AI in THE ELECTRIC STATE: "People Are Afraid"

The Russo Bros. embraced the use of artificial intelligence when making their latest film project The Electric State despite the growing controversy around it. The film, set in the aftermath of a war between humans and robots, utilizes AI for voice modulation, a practice the directing duo says is already widespread in Hollywood.

In an interview with The Times, Joe Russo addressed the backlash AI has received, saying: "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 also downplayed the complexity of AI tools, adding, "Something any ten-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video."

While some argue AI is a threat to creative industries, Russo believes it’s currently best suited for artistic applications rather than high-stakes fields.

Joe Explained: "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."

Maybe they could’ve used it to help write the script for The Electirc State, it couldn’t have been any worse than the one that was used for the film. Yikes! It was so bad.

This isn’t the first time the Marvel filmmakers have defended AI’s role in moviemaking. Back in 2023, Joe predicted AI could shape the future of storytelling, even suggesting it might be capable of creating entire films.

He said: "Potentially, what you could do with it is obviously use it to engineer storytelling and change storytelling. So you have a constantly evolving story, either in a game or in a movie, or a TV show.

"You could walk into your house and save the AI on your streaming platform. ‘Hey, I want a movie starring my photoreal avatar and Marilyn Monroe's photoreal avatar.

“I want it to be a rom-com because I've had a rough day,' and it renders a very competent story with dialogue that mimics your voice. Suddenly now you have a rom-com starring you that's 90 minutes long. So you can curate your story specifically to you."

Not everyone in Hollywood shares this enthusiasm. James Cameron, for instance, is reportedly adding a title card at the beginning of Avatar: Fire and Ash to make it clear that no generative AI was used in its production.

As AI continues to weave itself into filmmaking, the debate is far from over. While some see it as a creative tool, others view it as a looming threat.

The Russo Bros., however, remain firm in their belief: AI isn’t going anywhere.