The Electric State, the latest cinematic endeavor by the Russo Brothers, made its debut on Netflix this week. Despite the anticipated excitement surrounding the film, it has received overwhelmingly negative reviews. Critics have gone so far as to label it “slop,” a surprising twist given the Russos’ previous successes. Known for their work on Marvel films, the Russo Brothers have once again paid homage to their superhero roots within The Electric State. However, this acknowledgment has sparked concerns regarding their future projects, specifically Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The film features a subtle nod to the Russos' past Marvel works through a robot character reading a copy of West Coast Avengers #56 from 1990. The inclusion of this particular issue has intrigued audiences and critics alike, as it may hint at the Russos' ongoing connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This Easter egg has fueled speculation about what the directors may be planning for their next Marvel-themed films.
Meanwhile, the Russo Brothers are currently in the process of organizing their strategy for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. To aid in this planning, they are utilizing baseball card-like images of MCU actors. These images come with magnets that allow them to be placed strategically on a board. Joe Russo explained the process, saying:
"Now they have magnets on them so we can put ‘em on a board and look at ‘em."
This methodical approach suggests a detailed and thoughtful plan to determine which characters will feature prominently in their upcoming projects. Speculation is rife that the brothers' plans could involve iconic characters such as Victor Von Doom and Wanda Maximoff, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation for fans.
The reception of The Electric State has not only raised doubts about the film itself but also cast a shadow over expectations for the Russos' future Marvel projects. While their previous works have been well-received, this latest entry has left some questioning whether they can maintain their streak of success.