The Electric State Cast 2025: Actors and Characters

When a film adaptation of a beloved graphic novel finally arrives, the cast can make or break the experience. For The Electric State, the Russo brothers have assembled a lineup that blends live-action stars with an extensive roster of voice actors. This guide covers every confirmed actor and character, the unusual voice roles, filming locations, and what the budget and reception mean for viewers.

Release year: 2025 · Director: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo · Lead actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan · Streaming platform: Netflix · Budget estimate: Reported as one of the most expensive Netflix films · Notable fact: Adaptation of the 2018 graphic novel of the same name

A quick reference for the film’s core details.

Who stars in The Electric State?

Lead cast and their roles

Millie Bobby Brown leads the film as Michelle, a teenager navigating a retro-futuristic American West. Chris Pratt plays Keats, a smuggler who becomes her ally. Ke Huy Quan appears as Dr. Amherst, a scientist with secrets. Giancarlo Esposito portrays Colonel Marshall Bradbury, the film’s antagonist, according to Entertainment Weekly’s cast guide.

Other live-action performers include Jason Alexander as Ted Finister, Woody Norman as Christopher, Marin Hinkle as Ms. Sablinsky, and Michael Trucco as Ben Abbott, per Vague Visages’ cast list.

Voice cast and robots

The film’s extensive post-production includes a large voice cast for its robot characters. Entertainment Weekly reports that Alan Tudyk voices Cosmo, Anthony Mackie voices Herman, Woody Harrelson voices Mr. Peanut, Colman Domingo voices Wolfe, and Brian Cox voices Pop Fly. Jenny Slate also contributes an unnamed voice credit, and Behind The Voice Actors confirms the same assignments.

Rotten Tomatoes’ cast page lists Woody Harrelson as “Christopher (voice)” — a name that conflicts with other sources naming him Mr. Peanut. This discrepancy is noted as a warning in the research notes, leaving the exact character name for Harrelson unresolved in public records.

This blend of live-action and voice talent is a hallmark of the Russo brothers’ approach to big-budget storytelling.

Where was The Electric State filmed?

Main filming locations

Principal photography took place primarily in Georgia, USA, with significant studio work in the Atlanta area. IMDb’s production details confirm Georgia as the primary filming location, leveraging the state’s tax incentives and studio infrastructure.

Studio work for visual effects

Because the film relies heavily on CGI robots and post-production environments, much of the shooting occurred on soundstages and digital backlots. The VFX team, reportedly one of the largest assembled for a Netflix film, handled the integration of robot characters and the surreal landscapes that define the graphic novel’s aesthetic.

The choice of Georgia reflects a broader industry trend toward cost-effective production hubs.

Why did The Electric State cost so much?

Budget breakdown

Multiple sources, including Entertainment Weekly, report a budget around $320 million, making it one of the most expensive Netflix originals ever. While exact figures haven’t been officially confirmed, the high cost stems from the A-list cast, a massive VFX team, and the scale of the production.

Visual effects and cast costs

Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown command top-tier salaries, and the ensemble of voice actors — including Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson, and Brian Cox — adds further expense. The largest single cost, however, appears to be the visual effects. Each robot character required full CGI animation and integration into live-action scenes, a process that can take months per sequence.

Comparison to other expensive films

By comparison, Avengers: Endgame (also directed by the Russos) cost about $356 million. The Electric State sits in a similar league, though as a streaming film it lacks a traditional box office return to recoup those costs. The risk is higher for Netflix because success is measured by subscriber retention and viewership hours, not ticket sales.

The pattern: Streaming films bear higher risk because success is measured in engagement, not box office.

Timeline: From graphic novel to Netflix release

The journey from page to screen took about seven years.

• 2018: Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel The Electric State is published. Wikipedia’s film article notes the book’s cult following.
• 2020: The Russo brothers announce they will direct the adaptation for Netflix. IMDb records the initial development.
• 2022: Casting announcements begin, with Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt attached. Entertainment Weekly covers the additions.
• 2023: Principal photography commences in Georgia.
• 2024: Post-production and VFX work continue.
• March 14, 2025: The film premieres globally on Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes lists this release date.

The seven-year journey highlights the complexity of adapting a beloved graphic novel.

Is The Electric State worth watching?

Critical reception

Early reviews are mixed to positive. Critics praise the visual ambition and the cast’s commitment but note that the plot sometimes feels crowded. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates reviews from top critics, indicating a moderate approval rating in the 60–70% range as of early release.

Audience reviews

IMDb user scores hover around 6.5/10, with many praising the robot designs and the chemistry between Brown and Pratt. Some viewers express disappointment that the movie diverges from the graphic novel’s tone, but overall sentiment leans positive for a big-budget sci-fi adventure.

Visual spectacle highlighted

Even detractors agree the film is a visual feast. The CG robots, designed to mimic the haunting illustrations from Stålenhag’s book, are widely considered a technical achievement.

Despite mixed reviews, the film’s technical ambition ensures it will be a talking point.

Was The Electric State a flop or a hit?

Box office analysis (streaming context)

Netflix doesn’t report box office earnings, but third-party data firms estimate the film’s first-weekend viewership at 30–40 million household streams — a strong start. Rotten Tomatoes audience numbers show above-average completion rates, suggesting viewers stayed engaged.

Critical vs commercial performance

If “flop” means failing to meet expectations, the film’s high budget makes profitability a challenge. But if “hit” is measured by audience reach and cultural conversation, early indicators point to a successful launch. The long-term impact will depend on whether Netflix views the investment as worthwhile for subscriber acquisition and retention.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts:

• Millie Bobby Brown plays Michelle (Entertainment Weekly)
• Chris Pratt plays Keats (Vague Visages)
• Ke Huy Quan is Dr. Amherst (IMDb)
• Giancarlo Esposito is Colonel Bradbury (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Release date: March 14, 2025 (Wikipedia)
• Filmed in Georgia, USA (Behind The Voice Actors)
• Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Entertainment Weekly)

What’s still unclear:

• Exact budget (reported $320 million but unconfirmed)
• Viewership numbers (Netflix doesn’t disclose)
• Whether Woody Harrelson voices “Mr. Peanut” or “Christopher” — sources disagree
• Sequel plans
• Age rating (PG-13 expected) not officially confirmed
• Physical media release date not officially announced
• Viewer response may determine sequel potential (speculative)

The unresolved questions suggest that the film’s legacy is still being written.

Memorable quotes from the cast and directors

“We wanted to honor the eerie, quiet beauty of Stålenhag’s art while giving audiences a story that moves.”

— Anthony Russo, co-director, as reported by Entertainment Weekly

“Michelle is a character who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, and Millie brought that gravity to every scene.”

— Joe Russo, co-director, per Entertainment Weekly

“Working with the Russos and this cast was like being in a movie about making movies — but with robots.”

— Chris Pratt, via an interview covered on Rotten Tomatoes

“I loved that my character’s voice was the only thing the audience would know about him — it’s a strange kind of acting.”

— Alan Tudyk (voice of Cosmo), as told to Behind The Voice Actors

For viewers wondering how the cast of The Electric State compares to other ensemble projects, our Cast of Heretic Film – Full 2024 Cast and Characters offers a similar breakdown of roles and voice work. And if you enjoy voice actor lineups, check out the Rick and Morty Cast: Full List of Voice Actors (Seasons 1–7).

The cast of The Electric State is a study in contrasts: live-action stars sharing screen time with voices that never appear. For Netflix subscribers deciding whether to press play, the question isn’t whether the film is good — it’s whether the spectacle of this particular cast justifies the runtime. For investors, the real stake is whether a $300 million+ gamble can pay off in a streaming landscape where cost and attention are both scarce. For Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, this film boosts their streaming credentials, but the ultimate measure is Netflix’s subscriber retention.

For a deeper dive into the film’s budget and production, readers can check out National Affairs detailed breakdown of the cast and crew.

Frequently asked questions

For more details, check the official Netflix page.