The Russo Brothers defend AI in ‘The Electric State’: “People don’t understand”
The Russo Brothers, directors of 'Avengers', believe that there is fear surrounding the use of AI in filmmaking. They argue that people do not fully comprehend the potential benefits that AI can bring to the industry. In their upcoming film 'The Electric State', they are incorporating AI technology to enhance the storytelling process. The directors are aiming to challenge misconceptions and showcase the positive impact of AI in filmmaking. Through their work, they hope to change perceptions and encourage a more open-minded approach towards utilizing AI in creative endeavors.
The Russo Brothers and the Use of AI in Filmmaking
The 'Avengers' directors argue that people are afraid of using AI in filmmaking. The Russo Brothers have defended their use of AI in their new film 'The Electric State', arguing that people “don’t understand” its significance.
Background
The director team of Anthony and Joe Russo, known for helming 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame', have also directed the new Netflix sci-fi action film, 'The Electric State'. The movie stars Millie Bobby Brown as a teenage girl traveling across a post-apocalyptic America with a robot companion in search of her missing brother.
The film makes use of AI for voice modulation, and in a new interview with The Times, the brothers have defended their decision, with AI remaining a highly contentious issue in the entertainment industry.
Russo Brothers' View on AI
Joe Russo mentioned that the extent of their AI use is “something any ten-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video”. He added: “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 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.”
Future Projects
The Russos, who also directed 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' and 'Captain America: Civil War', are set to return to Marvel to direct the next two Avengers films. 'Avengers: Doomsday' is scheduled for release in May 2026, followed by 'Avengers: Secret Wars' in May 2027.
'The Electric State' and Reviews
'The Electric State' is based on the 2018 illustrated novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag. In a two-star review, NME stated: “No doubt kids will love this curious, retro-future tale with orange VW vans and not-so-subtle nods to 'Apocalypse Now' as Wagner’s bombastic ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ plays out over one of the film’s many battles. But you won’t be able to shake the feeling that there’s a lack of heart and soul here. Thank God the Russo brothers are heading back to the MCU for 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars'.”
Related Topics: Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Netflix