Netflix is gearing up for the release of The Electric State, a visually stunning and emotionally charged sci-fi adventure set to premiere in 2025. Directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame), the film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag. Fans are eagerly awaiting this adaptation, which promises to bring Stålenhag’s distinctive blend of retro-futurism and nostalgia to life on the small screen.
A Journey Through a Dystopian Future
Set in a reimagined version of 1997, The Electric State tells the story of Michelle, a teenager who embarks on a cross-country journey through a post-apocalyptic America to find her missing brother. Alongside her is a quirky, yet mysterious, yellow robot named Skip, and a drifter who becomes an unlikely companion. As they travel through desolate towns, abandoned landscapes, and eerie technological ruins, Michelle uncovers secrets about her brother’s disappearance and the world around her.
The story is filled with moments of quiet beauty and melancholic wonder, highlighting Stålenhag’s signature style—combining futuristic technology with a sense of nostalgia for the past. The film is expected to stay true to the graphic novel’s tone, exploring themes of loss, hope, and the bond between humanity and technology.
Star-Studded Cast
Netflix has assembled an impressive cast for The Electric State, bringing to life the nuanced characters from Stålenhag’s world:
- Millie Bobby Brown stars as Michelle, the film’s protagonist. Known for her breakout role in Stranger Things, Brown is set to bring her emotional depth and strength to the role of a determined teenager searching for answers in a crumbling world.
- Chris Pratt joins the cast as the drifter, a mysterious figure who aids Michelle on her journey. Pratt’s blend of charisma and ruggedness is expected to add a unique dynamic to the film.
- Stanley Tucci and Giancarlo Esposito are also part of the ensemble, playing key figures Michelle encounters along her journey, each with their own complex motivations that contribute to the unfolding mystery.
The robots will be voiced by:
- Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, The Man from Toronto)
- Anthony Mackie (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, We Have a Ghost)
- Brian Cox (Succession, Red)
- Jenny Slate (Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On)
The Russo Brothers Return to Sci-Fi
Joe and Anthony Russo, the visionary directors behind Marvel’s biggest blockbusters, are returning to sci-fi with The Electric State. The Russo Brothers have expressed their passion for the project, citing their love for Stålenhag’s unique storytelling and visual style. In a recent interview, they mentioned that the film would be “an epic, yet intimate story that captures the essence of a road trip movie, set in a world that feels both familiar and alien.”
The film’s production has utilized cutting-edge visual effects to bring the graphic novel’s stunning illustrations to life. The Russos worked closely with visual effects teams to ensure that Stålenhag’s iconic aesthetic—where futuristic robots and machines are juxtaposed against rural American landscapes—was faithfully translated to the screen.
Simon Stålenhag’s Vision: Bringing Retro-Futurism to Life
Simon Stålenhag is known for his ability to merge the familiar with the futuristic, creating worlds where advanced technology feels worn, forgotten, and oddly integrated into everyday life. His graphic novels, including Tales from the Loop and Things from the Flood, have captivated readers with their blend of surrealism and nostalgia. The Electric State continues this trend, presenting a dystopian America that’s simultaneously futuristic and reminiscent of the past.
Netflix’s adaptation aims to capture this unique aesthetic, with vivid visuals that mix retro designs with high-tech elements, evoking a sense of awe and eeriness. The film’s visual palette is inspired by Stålenhag’s original artwork, featuring muted, earthy tones contrasted by the glowing, neon lights of futuristic machines. Fans of the graphic novel can expect to see iconic scenes brought to life, including deserted highways, crumbling cities, and massive, mysterious machines looming in the distance.
Themes of Connection, Isolation, and Technology
The Electric State explores themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. At its core, the film is about connection—between family, between humans and machines, and between past and future. Michelle’s journey is a quest not just to find her brother, but to understand the world around her and her place in it. Along the way, the film delves into how technology can both unite and isolate people, a theme that feels especially relevant in today’s digital age.
The relationship between Michelle and Skip, her robot companion, serves as a poignant focal point. Skip is not just a machine; he’s a symbol of lost innocence and a guide through a world that has forgotten how to care. Their bond adds an emotional layer to the story, balancing the film’s more intense and mysterious elements with warmth and humor.
Whether you’re a fan of the original graphic novel or simply looking for a new sci-fi adventure, The Electric State promises to be a must-watch film that will leave audiences reflecting on its themes long after the credits roll.
The post “The Electric State”: Netflix’s Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Adventure Set to Premiere in 2025 appeared first on Age of The Nerd.