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Summary
The first reviews for Netflix’sThe Electric Stateare out, and it is not looking good for the Russo Brothers. As things stand, the big-budget sci-fi adaptation, scheduled for release on March 14, will likely go down as yet another disappointing outing from the directorial duo, who continue to struggle with making a successful film outside of Marvel.
The Electric Stateis an adaptationof the critically acclaimed graphic novel of the same name by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. From the outset, the Russo Brothers seemed like an odd choice to bring this dystopian sci-fi story to life. The off-tone trailers and promotional material fromNetflixdid little to inspire confidence. Now, the movie itself has seemingly confirmed those doubts, marking yet another non-Marvel flop in their filmography.
The Electric StateGets Terrible First Reviews
Did Netflix’s $300 Million Gamble Misfire?
Early reviews ofThe Electric Statespell disaster for the Russo Brothers. Despite its massive $320 million budget, the film sits at just21% on Rotten Tomatoes(from 34 critics) and 32% on Metacritic. This makes it their worst-reviewed film yet, even belowThe Gray Man(45%) andCherry(37%). While it remains to be seen how audiences will react when the film releases, early signs suggest that even if it topsNetflix’s most-watched charts, it is unlikely to be considered a true success for the streaming giant.
What Are Critics Saying AboutThe Electric State?
This initial response hints thatThe Electric Statehas abandoned the original graphic novel’s bleak retrofuturist tone, turning it into another generic, jokey blockbuster.IndieWire’sDavid Ehrlich slammed it as a “relentlessly stale ordeal,” comparing it toThe Gray Manin how it contributes nothing to its genre. Critics are also likening it to other soullessdisappointments likeBorderlandsandArgylle. However, this kind of backlash is nothing new for the Russo Brothers, who have faced heavy criticism ever sinceAvengers: Endgame.
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The Electric State(2025)
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As talented as they may be, Anthony and Joe Russo have yet to deliver a true big-budget hit without Marvel’s backing. The $2.8 billionsuccess ofAvengers: Endgamegranted them free rein at major studios like Netflix (The Gray Man, The Electric State), Apple (Cherry), and Amazon (Citadel). However, all of these projects have ended rather forgettably, despite being among the most expensive productions for their respective studios. These failures are too significant to overlook, and it’s time for the Russo Brothers to prove their worth outside the MCU.
It’s not just factors like massive production and marketing expenses, poor critical reception, or even viewership struggles. Subjectively, all these projects feel formulaic and desperate to please their audience. The Russo Brothers' post-Marvel films clearly carry over influences from their work with superhero movies.The Electric Stateitself looks and feels like a “Marvel-ized” adaptation of the novel. However, since these are all standalone, unfamiliar IPs, the directors seem unable to bring the same level of heart (or even humor) that made their MCU films successful.
Anthony & Joe Russo’s UpcomingAvengersTest
SinceEndgame,The Electric Statemarks three strikes for the Russo Brothers; four ifCitadelis counted. But their true tests will beAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Wars. The equation is simple: if both films fail, it proves the Russo Brothers are past their prime, and unable to replicate the success ofInfinity WarandEndgame. If they succeed, it only confirms what many suspect now — that they can’t make a great movie without Marvel’s support.
But credit where credit is due: the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn’t be where it is today without Anthony and Joe Russo. Starting withCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, the duo brought a blend of action spectacle and theatrical moments that helped define the franchise. While many film purists dismiss Marvel and other superhero films, the Russos broke barriers for the genre. They created a once-in-a-lifetime communal experience withInfinity WarandEndgame. Regardless of their recent track record,the upcomingAvengersmoviesare clearly in the safest hands.
What The Russo Brothers Need To Change
Big-Name Casts Can’t Make Up For Weak Storytelling
All the star power in the world doesn’t seem to be helping the Russo Brothers' recent flops. Most of their projects featureMarvel alumni like Chris Evans, Tom Holland, and Chris Pratt. Even non-Marvel stars like Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Millie Bobby Brown haven’t been enough to turn things around. Clearly, the problem isn’t the cast; it’s the lack of strong, character-driven storytelling. Quentin Tarantino made a similar point in 2022. On the2 Bears, 1 Cavepodcast, thePulp Fictiondirector said:
“Part of the Marvel-ization of Hollywood is… you have all these actors who have become famous playing these characters. But they’re not movie stars. Right? Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star.”
The Duo Needs A Creative Reset
Maybethe Russo Brothers need Marvel, or maybe Marvel needs them — but in any case, the directorial duo is in dire need of a creative reset. Their older work on now-iconic TV shows likeCommunityandArrested Developmentfeels worlds apart from the creative drought they’re facing outside of Marvel today. WithThe Electric Statelooking like another misfire, they should step back from big-budget films (aside fromDoomsdayandSecret Wars) and return to what made them great: comedy.
