Netflix’s ‘The Electric State’ Flops with Critics But Eyes Franchise Future

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On March 14, 2025, Netflix released their newest hit movie titled “The Electric State.” Despite receiving a low rating of 15% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, this film directed by the Russo brothers is aiming for expansion into a larger franchise.

In an alternate 1990s United States where robots are banned, Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel adaptation titled “The Electric State” unfolds. The narrative revolves around a teenage girl seeking her lost brother, with a smuggler and an enigmatic robot as companions. Despite being intriguing conceptually, the book has garnered negative reviews from critics. However, the film has received a much warmer reception from viewers, earning it a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This significant difference between critical and audience feedback raises questions about the potential of this film to grow into a multifaceted universe that could potentially include video games, TV series, and sequels.

The Potential Sequel to ‘The Electric State’

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Whether or not a follow-up movie will occur depends on various aspects, such as viewer ratings, public and professional reviews, and the director’s creative vision. While opinions on The Electric State have been mixed among audiences and critics, the film has climbed to the top spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies chart in its first week of release, racking up over 25 million views. Yet, it’s crucial to consider these numbers in light of the film’s high production cost. As one of Netflix’s priciest productions to date, with an estimated budget of $320 million for The Electric State, the financial success is still under evaluation.

Beyond the success and ratings of “The Electric State”, there seems to be room for a sequel in the storyline, as the movie’s finale suggests this possibility. For instance, Cosmo rises and starts moving, hinting that Christopher’s consciousness might reside within him. However, whether “The Electric State” will indeed have a sequel is uncertain, as neither the Russo brothers nor Netflix have officially announced plans for a second film. During an interview with Filmhounds, when asked about potential follow-ups, Joe Russo merely mentioned that there were no updates on the matter.

“We like building immersive worlds and the audience has to tell us.”

‘The Electric State’ Already Has a Video Game

Although there hasn’t been official confirmation about a sequel to “The Electric State“, the film is broadening its storyline through a video game instead. With Netflix Games launching a prequel titled “The Electric State: Kid Cosmo“, audiences are once again drawn into the story, this time in a gaming format. This game is free for Netflix subscribers and can also be downloaded on iOS and Android devices. “Kid Cosmo” is a joint project between Netflix, BUCK Games, and the Russo brothers’ company AGBO.

In essence, the game titled “The Electric State: Kid Cosmo” functions as a precursor to the movie. It unravels the backstory of Michelle and her brother, set in a vibrant, futuristic Midwestern America from the mid-80s. The game focuses on their childhood escapades with the robot named Cosmo, which adds layers of complexity and depth to the characters and relationships portrayed in “The Electric State”. This expansion enhances the film’s narrative by offering a dynamic, interactive gaming experience for players. Interestingly, Netflix has asserted that one doesn’t need to be acquainted with “The Electric State” movie to enjoy “The Electric State: Kid Cosmo.

Netflix’s move to develop a game based on their film demonstrates their dedication to transmedia narrative, a method that involves sharing a single story across various platforms and formats. This approach offers an interactive experience for viewers, increasing their engagement levels significantly. With the release of The Electric State: Kid Cosmo, Netflix takes viewer interaction a step further and simultaneously explores potential extensions of the film into future films or series.

The Possibility of a ‘The Electric State’ TV Series

The imaginative universe portrayed in “The Electric State” offers an excellent foundation for its storyline to be transformed into a TV series. The film’s setting and characters make it perfect for exploration through multiple episodes. A potential TV show could offer more detailed storytelling and well-developed character arcs, giving Netflix the opportunity to expand upon Stålenhag’s original work while appealing to a broader audience.

Although some critics may express reservations about The Electric State transitioning into a TV series, it’s crucial to consider the favorable responses from viewers as well. Given that the movie merely hints at the intricate world battling between humans and robots, a TV series could effectively delve deeper into these unanswered questions. However, much like their comments on the film, the Russo brothers have been rather tight-lipped about The Electric State’s future, only alluding to it with vague statements.

We’re really fond of creating this unique universe, and we believe it has potential for more discoveries. Beyond the film and the video game, we’ll just have to wait and see where things go.

Despite no definitive plans for sequels or a TV series based on “The Electric State” being announced, the movie has laid a solid foundation for potential future installments within a franchise. The idea of a prequel video game, the Russo brothers leaving open the possibility of revisiting this world in future films or series, and the intricate universe portrayed in the film all hint at the possible growth of “The Electric State” universe. Whether this expansion will occur depends largely on the movie’s box office success and audience engagement. At present, you can stream “The Electric State” on Netflix.

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2025-03-23 19:07