Everything We Know About Netflix’s “The Electric State”

Anthony and Joe Russo, renowned directors of cinematic blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame, are bringing their ambitious sci-fi adventure, The Electric State, to audiences after years of development. The project, based on Simon Stålenhag’s narrative artbook of the same name, has faced a winding journey to completion, with the film set to debut on Netflix on March 14th. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect.

The Journey to Production

Announced in 2017, The Electric State sparked a bidding war for adaptation rights, eventually secured by the Russo brothers. The film began shooting in 2022, wrapped principal photography in early 2023, and underwent reshoots in 2024. Initially slated for a theatrical release through Universal, the project ultimately shifted to Netflix, making it a high-profile addition to the streaming giant’s lineup.

The Source Material

Simon Stålenhag’s The Electric State is set in an alternate 1997 where AI achieved sentience in the ’50s, leading to a devastating human-robot war. The film streamlines the artbook’s expansive narrative, offering a visually striking tribute to the 1990s while expanding on the book’s mythology. The story follows a runaway teenager and her toy robot companion as they traverse a post-war United States in search of her missing brother, amidst the remnants of a collapsed consumerist society.

Directors and Vision

The Russos, who initially tapped Andy Muschietti to direct, later took the helm themselves after completing The Gray Man. Inspired by Robert Zemeckis’s storytelling, they aimed to craft a nostalgic yet emotionally resonant experience. They enlisted Alan Silvestri to compose the score, promising a unique auditory identity akin to Back to the Future.

The Cast

• Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) stars as the runaway teenager.
• Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) plays a smuggler who aids her journey.
• Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All At Once) portrays a pivotal doctor in the story.
• Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) serves as an antagonist operating a robotic drone.
• Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) voice key robot characters.

Other notable actors include Stanley Tucci, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Woody Harrelson, and Jason Alexander, among others.

Robots with Character

The Electric State. (L to R) Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie), PopFly (voiced by Brian Cox), Mr. Peanut (voiced by Woody Harrelson), Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), Penny Pal (voiced by Jenny Slate) and Keats (Chris Pratt) in The Electric State. ™/© 2024 Netflix. Used with permission

The film’s robots, inspired by animatronics from Disneyland, are integral to the narrative. These nostalgic yet complex machines reflect a unique blend of Disney-esque charm and post-apocalyptic grit. Woody Harrelson’s character, modeled after Mr. Peanut, is described as a progressive leader among the robots, residing in the Exclusion Zone—a large-scale prison for surviving AI.

A Unique Sci-Fi Adventure

Both Brown and Pratt have expressed admiration for the project’s depth and emotional impact. Pratt, moved to tears by the script, described The Electric State as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in such a massive and complex story. Brown, inspired by Drew Barrymore, sought to imbue her character with relatable warmth and resilience.

Release Information

After years of anticipation, The Electric State is set to stream on Netflix on March 14th. While it may receive limited theatrical play, the primary release will bring this epic story to homes worldwide.