Multiple Disney and Marvel Studios legends have teamed up to create The Electric State (2025), a film about living in the world after Disneyland Resort animatronics rebelled.
Origins of The Electric State (2025)
The Russo Brothers, known for their significant contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, have embarked on a new cinematic journey that diverges from their superhero roots. Joe and Anthony Russo, acclaimed directors of films such as Avengers: Endgame (2019), desire to explore the intricacies of human emotion and technology through their latest project, inspired by Swedish artist Simon StΓ₯lenhagβs imaginative work, βThe Electric State.β
Cast and Characters
Millie Bobby Brown steps into the role of Michelle, a young woman on a quest to find her long-lost brother amidst a technologically dominated landscape. Michelle believed her brother to have died in a car crash until he began sending her messages through Kid Cosmo (Alan Tudyk), a robot that only speaks in catchphrases.
As she navigates a post-war world now devoid of empathy, Brown told Vanity Fair that she was expected to encapsulate both vulnerability and resilience.
βThe note that I would always get is, sheβs still human,β Brown said. βSheβs rebellious and yes, she doesnβt want to follow the rules and sheβs incredibly hurt because sheβs dealing with a lot of grief. But sheβs not invincible.β
Chris Pratt portrays Keats, a war veteran turned truck driver who becomes an unwilling partner in Michelleβs journey. Heβs teamed up with Herman, a Russian nesting doll-style robot who he once battled against.
A sentient Mr. Peanut, voiced by Woody Harrelson, leads the disgruntled robots in their quest for self-determination. Other stars include Jenny Slate as Penny Pal, Brian Cox as Popfly, Ke Huy Quan as Dr. Amherst, Stanley Tucci as Ethan Skate, and Giancarlo Esposito as Colonel Bradbury.
Plot and Setting
The Electric State is set in an imagined 1994 in the aftermath of a conflict between humanity and advanced robots. It all began at Disneyland Resort decades before when Walt Disneyβs creations rapidly gained intelligence (unlike their real-life counterparts).
Joe Russo told Vanity Fair that he hoped the nostalgic setting would allow viewers to think about the filmβs narrative unburdened by todayβs world:
βIt could be an assaultive theme if the story were set in the present day. Sometimes we find that when you couch it in a fable, and you remove it from its immediacy, you can create space for people to process it differently.β
The filmβs robots are cartoon-like, an intentional effort by the creative team to toe the line between a βbuddy copβ comedy and a speculative sci-fi thriller.
βThe intent was to create complex feelings for you, where itβs both funny and tragic at the same time,β Joe Russo said.
The Electric State is scheduled to arrive on Netflix in March 2025.
Who would win a war between humans and Disneyland animatronics? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.Β