Netflix's 'The Electric State' sets new streaming budget record
This week, Netflix brought its viewers one of the cinematic hits of 2023, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." However, it also aimed to create a similar kind of super spectacle and has produced the most expensive film in streaming history, "The Electric State." Here is its official trailer.
Until now, Netflix's streaming platform did not have a production that could match the scale of Hollywood films, as "Rebel Moon" was a disaster. Unsurprisingly, box office hits like "Edge of Tomorrow" or "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" are so popular on the service.
The sixth installment, or seventh, if you count "Bumblebee," in the endless war between the Autobots and Decepticons, ranks second on Netflix's list of hits in Poland. It trails behind this year's biggest platform hit, "Security Check." Transformers: Rise of the Beasts cost about $200 million, while Netflix spent $320 million on a similar film!
This way, "The Electric State" became the most expensive film production in the history of streaming platforms, and at the same time, one of the most expensive in film history (even the latest "Mission: Impossible" won't cost that much). What was the money spent on? Naturally, actors can receive up to $50 million for roles in VOD productions (see: Dwayne Johnson – "Red One" for Prime Video). And in "The Electric State," we have two big stars: Chris Pratt and Netflix's Millie Bobby Brown.
In the online trailer (previously, only a teaser was available), we see that producers spared no expense for special effects and scenery. So, maybe it will finally be possible to create a film spectacle on the level of Hollywood productions.
The Russo brothers are behind the project. Perhaps enticed by the enormous budget, they have moved away from close cooperation with Hollywood studios after their spectacular successes with two Captain America films and the Avengers. They are now creating movies and series for streaming platforms. Their latest project is based on the graphic novel by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, known for unique projects in the spirit of retrofuturism and dystopia. The premiere of "The Electric State" is scheduled for March 14, 2025.
