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Disney Stars Turn on the Mouse in New Movie About the Dark Side of Disneyland

Walt Disney with Disneyland Resort's Enchanted Tiki Room animatronics.
Credit: Disney

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)

Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, and Ke Huy Quan in 'The Electric State.'

Credit: Netflix

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₯lenhag’s imaginative work, β€œThe Electric State.”

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.

Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in 'The Electric State.'

Credit: Netflix

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.

β€œThe note that I would always get is, she’s still human,” Brown said. β€œShe’s rebellious and yes, she doesn’t want to follow the rules and she’s incredibly hurt because she’s dealing with a lot of grief. But she’s not invincible.”

Chris Pratt portrays Keats, a war veteran turned truck driver who becomes an unwilling partner in Michelle’s journey. He’s teamed up with Herman, a Russian nesting doll-style robot who he once battled against.

A yellow, peanut-shaped vehicle drives on a deserted road under a cloudy sky. Looming in the background is a large, rusted humanoid robot structure reminiscent of Disneyland animatronics, with dangling wires that add to its dystopian and abandoned feel.

Credit: Netflix

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 Disney’s creations rapidly gained intelligence (unlike their real-life counterparts).

Millie Bobby Brown and an animatronic.

Credit: Netflix

Joe Russo told Vanity Fair that he hoped the nostalgic setting would allow viewers to think about the film’s narrative unburdened by today’s world:

β€œIt 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.”

The film’s robots are cartoon-like, an intentional effort by the creative team to toe the line between a β€œbuddy cop” comedy and a speculative sci-fi thriller.

Millie Bobby Brown, Mr. Peanut, and other animatronics.

Credit: Netflix

β€œThe intent was to create complex feelings for you, where it’s both funny and tragic at the same time,” 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 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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