Millie Bobby Brown is once again at the forefront of cinematic conversation, this time for her role in the new Netflix film The Electric State. In this dystopian tale set in a reimagined '90s America, Brown plays Michelle, a young woman grappling with loss and personal growth as she navigates a world filled with both technological advancements and emotional turmoil.
Brown's character, Michelle, embarks on a deeply emotional journey. After suffering a family tragedy, she realizes she must find her estranged brother, who disappeared following a car accident that claimed their family. "Michelle knew there was something missing within her life [after her family died in the car accident]. Once she realizes her brother is out there, I think she has this really beautiful journey … 'I must find him. I must get him back to me.' Toward the end, she realizes that in order to get him back, she has to let go of him and remember him for who he was. I think that letting go was very therapeutic and cathartic for her. It's exactly what she needed to move forward in her life," Brown explained in an interview with Netflix's Tudum.
The film, directed by the Russo brothers, juxtaposes stunning visual effects with Michelle's personal narrative, exploring themes of grief, acceptance, and the search for connection in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Its release has sparked polarized reactions; while many praise the film's visual storytelling, others critique its handling of dystopian themes. How well it balances emotional depth with its expansive narrative remains a contentious point, leaving audiences to navigate the film's emotional layers on their own.
In a broader context, discussions are circulating regarding Brown’s potential future with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). During the promotion of The Electric State, Joe and Anthony Russo were asked about possible roles for the actress in their upcoming Marvel projects, specifically the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a May 1, 2026, release. Joe Russo captured fan interest when he stated, "Millie’s on the list for every project. You can’t honestly, you just can’t ask for a bigger star right now… She's just so lovely. Yeah, we’ll put her in anything." Russo’s words suggest she could be positioned for a significant role in the expansive MCU, which often requires a diverse casting of characters amidst its multiversal stories.
Additionally, Brown's on-set presence is not just professional; she is known for her love of animals, particularly dogs. Her fostering efforts have become a part of her personality, where she has reportedly adopted and fostered many dogs, creating a unique and positive atmosphere on set. Russo noted, "She brings them to set with her; it is like everybody is having an emotional care day with the dogs." Her passion for fostering dogs is well-documented; earlier this year, she shared on The Drew Barrymore Show that she was caring for 23 dogs alongside her 10 beloved pets.
The lasting impact of Brown's foray into the world of superheroes hinges on her previous near-miss with the genre. In a 2017 interview, she reflected on her audition for the role of Laura in Logan, stating, "The best audition for me was Wolverine. I went for Logan and I went for the little girl." Although she ultimately lost the role to Dafne Keen, the success of Logan has raised intriguing questions about how her career might have evolved differently had that audition gone according to plan.
With the resurgence of the MCU and the blending of various cinematic universes—highlighted by the recent crossover events in films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness—the possibility of Brown's entry into the superhero arena seems more plausible. Especially given that the multiversal aspects of Avengers: Doomday may require a fresh influx of talent and characters.
For now, The Electric State invites viewers not only to engage with Michelle's poignant journey through loss and acceptance but also to speculate about the future of Millie Bobby Brown as a rising star in major franchises. While the film stands as a testament to her depth as an actress, the whispers of her potential involvement in the MCU add an exhilarating layer to her already thriving career. As fans eagerly await her next moves in both emotional storytelling and the superhero domain, Brown’s ongoing narrative continues to resonate, forging connections between the personal and the fantastical.
