Netflix‘s The Electric State has debuted to a dismal 23% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking the lowest-rated project for directors Joe and Anthony Russo since their departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The sci-fi adaptation, which reportedly cost more than $300 million to produce, continues a concerning pattern for the directing duo whose post-Marvel projects have consistently underperformed critically.
After helming box office juggernauts Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, the Russos signed a high-profile development deal with Netflix. Their subsequent projects — including Cherry, The Gray Man, and the Amazon series Citadel — have failed to recapture the acclaim of their Marvel work.
The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) and Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy), has been particularly criticized for its lifeless execution and failure to properly adapt Simon StÃ¥lenhag’s illustrated novel.
Critics have pointed to a recurring issue in the directors’ recent filmography: an over-reliance on star power without the strong storytelling and character development that defined their Marvel contributions.
The film’s reception has sparked considerable discussion within online communities. Multiple threads on Reddit’s r/scifi forum have highlighted audience fatigue with the Russos’ output.
“How did these guys make 4 of the most iconic MCU movies including 2 of the highest grossing movies of all time and even produce a Best Picture Oscar but then continuously churn out the most lifeless Netflix garbage each starring one MCU lead?” wrote one commenter.
Industry analysts note the irony that while the Russos struggle outside the superhero genre, Marvel Studios itself has faced challenges maintaining its pre-Endgame momentum — leading to speculation about a potential reunion.
The directors have yet to announce their next project following The Electric State‘s release, though they remain attached to several in-development titles at various studios.
