Russo Brothers Highlight Visual Effects Challenges in Upcoming Netflix Film ‘The Electric State’

After taking a hiatus from working with Marvel Studios, the illustrious directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo have been quite active in the entertainment industry. Their production company, AGBO, has been busily involved in projects like «Everything Everywhere All at Once.» Additionally, the brothers have directed high-profile films such as «Cherry» for Apple TV and «The Gray Man» for Netflix. Presently, the Russo brothers are in full gear for their latest Netflix project titled «The Electric State,» a film that demands a significant degree of visual effects expertise far exceeding their previous projects.

In an interview, Anthony Russo discussed the challenges involved in creating «The Electric State,» particularly the difficulties linked to the extensive use of visual effects. «It’s a tough question. I don’t know if I’d point out one single shot, but I will say this: we’ve worked with visual effects a lot in our movies. This has been the most amount of visual effects we’ve ever dealt with in a film,» he stated. Anthony emphasized the importance of achieving a high level of visual fidelity to maintain a realistic and recognizable period setting in the dystopian backdrop of the film.

«The Electric State,» adapted from a graphic novel, is set in an alternate history of 1994 within a dystopian universe, following a devastating war between humans and machines. The narrative follows the protagonist, Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, as she embarks on a quest across the American landscape alongside Chris Pratt‘s character, Keats, in search of her brother, who had been assumed dead.

The film boasts an impressive voice cast for several robot characters, with Woody Harrelson portraying the former snack mascot Mr. Peanut, now the leader of a robot resistance. Furthermore, Anthony Mackie voices Herman, while Brian Cox is heard as Popfly, showcasing that the machine characters are integral to the project’s storyline.

Despite the high reliance on special effects, the Russo brothers’ detailed engagement with visual effects might surprise fans, considering their vast experience with complex VFX requirements in their Marvel movies. Nonetheless, both the human and CGI characters are expected to deliver powerful performances in «The Electric State,» maintaining the depth and complexity of the film’s narrative.