The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always drawn fans with its remarkable storytelling and compelling characters, creating an expansive world that resonates with both casual viewers and die-hard comic book enthusiasts alike.
One character that exemplifies this phenomenon is Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, popularly known as Star-Lord, who captured the hearts of many in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Star-Lord’s journey has been captivating, yet some fans feel his character arc was shortchanged, leaving important elements of his backstory unexplored. However, the Russo Brothers have sought to amend this with a fresh, nuanced perspective in their latest project, The Electric State, featuring Chris Pratt as Keats.
Star-Lord's original narrative begins with tragedy: kidnapped by the Ravagers shortly after his mother's death, young Quill was raised by the villainous Yondu, who nurtured him to be a thief and a space bandit rather than delivering him to his father, Ego. Eventually, Quill left the Ravagers, joined the Guardians of the Galaxy, and played a pivotal role in the Avengers' battle against Thanos. Yet fans yearned for a deeper understanding of his motivations to leave the Ravagers. What drove Quill to become a hero rather than remain within that criminal society?
The Russo Brothers' The Electric State revisits this theme of redemption and transformation through the character of Keats. In this Netflix release, Pratt plays a salvager with a background that mirrors Quill's but presents an opportunity to explore his motivations in greater depth. Initially, Keats is consumed by the desire for profit, bartering and stealing in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war between humans and robots.
Similar to the character of Rocket Raccoon in Guardians, Keats has an ally, the military robot Herman. Together, they take on an antagonistic figure, Ethan Skate, who seeks domination through technological exploitation. As the narrative unfolds, Keats learns to embrace heroism as he becomes embroiled in Michelle's (played by Millie Bobby Brown) desperate quest to rescue her brother from Skate's clutches, leading him to seek out a higher purpose.
The creators of The Electric State have intentionally crafted Keats' character to contain layers that resonate with viewers, drawing upon Pratt's established comedic flair and charm. As Keats, he becomes a mentor for Michelle, showcasing a paternal instinct similar to what fans recognized in Quill's relationship with Groot. This backstory offers crucial insights into Keats' redemptive arc, illuminating a path from selfishness to selflessness. It enriches the character, illustrating why he ultimately decides to protect Michelle and oppose Skate.
The backstory of Keats holds particular depth, as the character once fought against robots in a devastating war. This history of conflict and betrayal adds layers to his character arc. After being wounded, he is saved by Herman, which leads him to reconsider his stance towards both humans and robots. Unlike Star-Lord's journey, which, while remarkable, left gaps in understanding his original motivations, Keats’ character holds a complete narrative that explains his transformation from a self-serving individual toward someone willing to risk it all for others.
As Keats becomes embroiled in the fight against Ethan Skate, whose tyrannical ambitions mirror those of many classic supervillains, viewers witness not only his growth but the evolution of his newfound family unit. One particularly striking detail about Keats is how he emerges from a troubled past to embrace new familial bonds, echoing the themes found in Guardians of the Galaxy while enhancing them. This blending of humor, grief, and truth allows the film to resonate widely, offering another compelling illustration of changing arcs in characters.
As Keats and his team confront Skate’s technological reign, they find purpose in becoming defenders of humanity and its legacy, culminating in a climactic showdown that delivers thrilling action sequences enlivened by the character’s growth and development. Keats' newfound understanding of community and family values harbors strong messages about acceptance and redemption, bringing a well-rounded perspective to the narrative.
Available for streaming as of March 24, 2025, The Electric State offers fans a unique cinematic experience reminiscent of the Guardians while charting new territory through character evolution and emotional storytelling. The Russo Brothers have taken strides to produce a film that fills in gaps left in previous character arcs, making this narrative a must-watch for both fans of the MCU and newcomers looking to engage with a captivating story of redemption and connection.
