Stranger Things and Enola Holmes star Millie Bobby Brown is about to partner with two of the most respected filmmakers in the game, Joe and Anthony Russo, for an adaptation of the graphic novel The Electric State.
The Russos are set to direct through their AGBO studio, with Mike Lorocca also producing under the duo's label. The project was offered to buyers earlier this week, but it was Universal who ultimately won the pot. Originally, AGBO held the rights back in 2017 with plans to develop along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti. At the time, Andy was eyeing the director's chair, but alas, it was not meant to be. However, now that the Muschiettis are committed to The Flash for Warner Bros., the brothers Russo are stepping in. This being the case, the Muschiettis will still act as producers. Additionally, Russell Ackerman and John Schoenfelder will also executive produce.
While this is all very exciting, it's possible that we won't see the finished product for quite a while. I say this because Brown is in the midst of shooting a new season of Stranger Things and the Russos are helming The Gray Man next month. In other words, production for The Electric State isn't likely to begin until late 2021 or the start of 2022.
Based on Tales from the Loop by Simon Stålenhag, the film will be written by AGBO’s Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. If their names sound familiar, that's because they teamed with the Russos on Captain America: Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Set in an alternative future, it tells the story of a teenage girl (Millie Bobby Brown) who realizes that a strange but sweet robot who comes to her has actually been sent by her missing brother. She and the robot set out to find the brother in an imaginative world of humans mixing with all manner of robots, uncovering a grand conspiracy in the process. (via Deadline)
“We’re thrilled to have this deal with Universal who has committed to a theatrical release of Electric State,” said the Russos. “This is incredible news for us as filmmakers, and for audiences around the world who want an opportunity to experience film’s in theaters again. This is also a positive sign that, as vaccines become available, the theatrical market is returning.”
Naturally, Markus & McFeely are excited about partnering with the Russos for another potential blockbuster. In talking about the opportunity, McFeely said “We’d have Joe and Anthony direct everything that we write and were excited the timing worked out for them to come on as directors,” said McFeely. “What’s nice about this is the themes of Electric State syncs up with their interests in technology and feels like the perfect property for them.”
“This is a very human story about a teenage girl with all the powers of a teenage girl and nothing more,” said Markus. “Another thing we are really proud of when it comes to this story is all the major characters, barring one supporting character, are women which is super exciting to be involved in.”
Robots? Conspiracies? The Russos? I'm all in. While it's been great seeing Brown's talents develop on the small screen as well as in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, I believe the world is ready for her to take the lead for an all-out science fiction epic. As her star continues to rise with each new project, teaming with the Russos will no doubt provide her with a platform to really blow some minds.