The Russo brothers’ <em>The Electric State</em> has just premiered on Netflix, and Joe Russo is already exploring the exciting possibility of a sequel. This visually stunning film is inspired by the illustrated novel created by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. In this captivating sci-fi adventure, viewers will find Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown joining forces with Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt, all set against the backdrop of a reimagined 1990s world. Released on Netflix on March 14, the film features an impressive supporting cast, including Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Ke Huy Quan, Woody Harrelson, and Anthony Mackie, each contributing to the grand narrative.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Joe Russo revealed that, while he and his brother currently have no immediate plans for a sequel to The Electric State, they are eager to explore other avenues for expanding the franchise. Alongside a mobile game titled The Electric State: Kid Cosmo, Russo mentioned discussions about a potential television series that could build upon the film’s universe. Check out his insightful comments below:
We love immersive worlds, so we always try to build worlds that have the capability for future storytelling, because that’s what we like. There is a game currently that’s being released with the movie, and we’re in discussions around a potential show idea that could work for it, but no sequel conversations as of yet.
Critical Reception of the Film Highlights a Discrepancy
Prior to its streaming release, the critical reception for the Russo brothers’ latest film was notably underwhelming. It garnered the lowest Rotten Tomatoes premiere score in Brown’s career, with critics expressing concerns over the film’s deviation from the source material, its narrative structure, and the performances delivered. In stark contrast, the general audience reaction has been much more favorable, with a current audience score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes illustrating a growing divide between professional reviewers and the viewing public.
As of this writing, The Electric State holds a critical score of 15% alongside a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing the contrasting perspectives of critics and viewers.
Whether the current response will be sufficient to inspire Netflix to move forward with a sequel that continues the story from The Electric State’s conclusion remains uncertain. However, it is evident that the movie continues to generate substantial interest, prompting preliminary discussions about a potential television series. The distinction between exploratory discussions and an official series order is significant, as Netflix may prefer to evaluate the film’s viewership metrics before committing to any long-term plans.
Another crucial element that Netflix must consider in expanding The Electric State beyond its initial release is the substantial financial investment associated with a sequel or TV show. Reports indicate that the production budget for the first movie reached as high as $320 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever produced and Netflix’s priciest project to date. If the film fails to attract a large enough audience to ensure a profitable return, the development of The Electric State 2 may not materialize.
Exploring the Potential of a Television Adaptation of The Electric State
A Television Series Could Resolve Numerous Unanswered Questions
Image via Netflix
While fans of Stålenhag’s original work may lament the Russo brothers’ departure from the illustrated novel, The Electric State‘s unique take on 1990s-inspired retro-futurism has resonated with a significant audience, regardless of the critical backlash. The film merely scratches the surface of a complex world shaped by the conflict between humans and robots, hinting at a rich narrative ripe for exploration in a television series. A well-crafted show could delve into the many unresolved questions posed by the film’s intriguing sci-fi premise. However, it remains to be seen whether the initial discussions between the Russo brothers and Netflix will progress to actual production plans.
Source: EW
The Electric State
4/10
- Release Date
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March 14, 2025
- Writers
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Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
