Netflix has just released the first official trailer for The Electric State (2025), the highly anticipated post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure starring Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) and Chris Pratt (Jurassic World). Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed Marvel movies like Avengers: Endgame (2019), the film is based on Simon Stålenhag’s atmospheric visual novel by the same name, which paints a retro-futuristic version of the 1990s where enormous, complex robots once coexisted peacefully with humans—until an uprising changed everything.
The plot follows Michelle, played by Millie Bobby Brown, a determined orphaned teenager searching for her lost brother in a dystopian, post-war America. Accompanied by a friendly robot named Cosmo, voiced by Alan Tudyk (Moana 2), she sets out across the desolate landscape known as the Exclusion Zone. Along the way, Michelle is joined by Keats, a smuggler played by Chris Pratt, and his giant robot companion Herman, voiced by Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Brave New World). Together, they navigate a world where sentient robots live in exile after a failed rebellion.
The trailer, set to Oasis’ iconic song “Champagne Supernova,” showcases a visually striking world reminiscent of Stålenhag’s distinctive art. This song seems to highlight the use of virtual reality headsets in the book, and likely in the film. These headsets become addictive in this fictional setting, and users are unable, or unwilling to remove them. The lyrics “where were you while we were getting high,” reflects the user’s abandonment, and removal from society. Fans can expect a mix of action, heart, and intrigue as Michelle’s quest to find her brother leads to revelations about the fate of humanity—and the dark forces behind the Exclusion Zone.
The ensemble cast includes Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) actor Ke Huy Quan, Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander, and Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito. Additionally, notable voices such as Woody Harrelson (The Hunger Games) and Succession’s Brian Cox lend their talents to the film’s robot characters.
The Electric State marks another ambitious project for the Russo Brothers, following their previous big-budget ventures like The Gray Man (2022). Set to premiere on Netflix on March 14, 2025, The Electric State is poised to become one of the year’s must-watch films. Its combination of top-tier talent, stunning visuals, and a compelling story promise to captivate audiences. Fans can expect more promotional material as the release date approaches, keeping the excitement building for this sci-fi spectacle.