Netflix’s ambitious project The Electric State, directed by the Russo Brothers and starring Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown, has turned into a massive box office disappointment despite its staggering $320 million budget. The film, touted as Netflix’s most expensive original production, has failed to impress critics and audiences alike, earning brutal reviews and a meager 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Costlier Venture Than Avatar and The Avengers
When streaming services first gained popularity, they were seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional big-screen productions. However, the industry has shifted in recent years, with streaming platforms investing heavily in high-budget films. The Russo Brothers, known for their large-scale productions like Avengers: Endgame and The Gray Man, pushed the envelope with The Electric State, making it Netflix’s most expensive film to date.
With a budget of $320 million, the film surpasses the production costs of major Hollywood blockbusters like Justice League ($300 million), Avatar ($237 million), and The Avengers ($220 million). It ranks as the 13th most expensive film ever made, competing with massive franchises such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($447 million) and Fast X ($379 million).
Troubled Production and Universal’s Exit
The project encountered challenges from the start. The Russo Brothers acquired the rights to The Electric State, based on Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 illustrated novel, in 2020. Initially, Universal Pictures secured the film’s distribution rights. However, after two years, the studio pulled out, and Netflix stepped in to finance and release the movie.
A Critical and Commercial Failure
Despite its grand budget and an ensemble cast featuring Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, Woody Norman, and Giancarlo Esposito, The Electric State failed to hold audiences’ attention. The film was widely criticized for its weak storytelling and lackluster execution.
Major review outlets did not hold back in their criticism. The Vulture called it a “$320 million piece of junk,” while ScreenRant deemed it “a little harmful to that cultural concept we call ‘The Movies’.” Business Insider labeled it a “dumb, unfunny $320 million flop.”
Streaming on Netflix
Currently streaming on Netflix, The Electric State has struggled to generate viewership and positive word-of-mouth, raising concerns over Netflix’s investment strategy in high-budget films. With its colossal budget and poor reception, the film joins the ranks of major Hollywood flops, proving that star power and a hefty budget do not always guarantee success.
Will Netflix Rethink Its Big-Budget Strategy?
Netflix’s bet on blockbuster-sized streaming exclusives has been met with mixed results. While some, like Red Notice and The Gray Man, fared relatively well, The Electric State has raised questions about the platform’s approach to big-budget filmmaking. With such a high price tag and minimal returns, the failure of The Electric State could prompt Netflix to reconsider its investment strategies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
