What movie took 7 years to make?

The Long Road to The Electric State

Some films move quickly from concept to screen, but The Electric State is not one of them. This upcoming sci-fi drama spent nearly seven years in development—a timeline shaped as much by ambition as by innovation. Directed by the Russo Brothers, fresh off their massive success with Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the film marks a bold shift in tone and style, leaning into a haunting, retro-futuristic world unlike anything seen in the Marvel universe.

Starring Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Stanley Tucci, The Electric State is based on a striking illustrated novel by Simon Stålenhag, known for blending mundane suburban landscapes with eerie, oversized machines. Translating that vision to screen required more than just strong performances—it demanded groundbreaking visual effects and a meticulous attention to detail. That’s part of why it took so long. The Russos didn’t rush. They spent years refining the look, tone, and storytelling approach, pushing the boundaries of digital filmmaking to create something truly immersive.

Set in an alternate 1990s America, the film follows a young woman trekking across a fractured, tech-saturated landscape, searching for answers in a world where drones and artificial intelligence have reshaped daily life. It’s a story about isolation, memory, and the cost of progress—themes that feel more relevant now than ever.

With Netflix set to release it in 2024, The Electric State arrives not just as a movie, but as a testament to patient, visionary filmmaking. Seven years may seem like a long time, but for a project this ambitious, it might have been the minimum needed to get it right.