In the new sci-fi adventure Netflix film, The Electric State, Stanley Tucci takes on the role of Ethan Skate, a powerful tech giant who helped create a peace treaty to end a man-versus-robot war.
This adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 illustrated novel follows Michelle, an orphaned teen played by Millie Bobby Brown, who teams up with a mysterious robot and a smuggler, Chris Pratt, to find her long-lost brother. Along the way, they cross paths with a range of unique characters.
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, The Electric State blends heart, humor, and storytelling, creating a film that tackles themes of tech, humanity, and survival in a futuristic world.
In this interview, we sat down with Stanley Tucci to discuss his role as Ethan Skate, the immersive world of The Electric State, and his thoughts on technology in both the film and real life.
Innovation & Tech Today: So, first and foremost, what drew you to this role?
Stanley Tucci: Well, I had worked with the Russo brothers before, and just prior, they asked if I wanted to be part of this movie. I said yes because I think they’re wonderful. I read the script, and I thought it was great. The character was interesting, the story was unique, and the realization of it was even more unusual and brilliant.
I&T Today: You play a tech billionaire in a retro-futuristic style, which is super cool. It’s funny how it speaks to a lot of things happening today—technology, tech billionaires, and so on. Can you speak to that a little bit?
Tucci: Yeah, I think it’s incredibly timely. There are so many aspects of it that are playing out today, or that will soon play out in the future. The idea of how technology can serve us in so many positive ways, but also how we can end up being subservient to it, is fascinating. We have to decide how we want to live.
I&T Today: Working with the Russo brothers, was there anything that really stood out to you, particularly in terms of how they created this world or the technology they used in post-production? Did it ever blow you away?
Tucci: I’m blown away by the final result. I wasn’t involved in the post-production process, so while shooting, you think you’re going to be part of a complicated sci-fi project, but it’s actually quite simple. The actor just reacts to a scene that’s described to them by the Russos. Everything else, including the special effects, happens later. It’s actually simpler than many other movies I’ve made.
I&T Today: How do you think this movie will spark a conversation about technology? What kind of discussions would you like to see emerge from a film like this, especially since it has a lot of layers?
Tucci: The film has a lot of heart and layers. I think the main question is: how do we live with technology? With the rapid advancements we’re seeing, we have to ask ourselves, how much do we really need? It’s the same with money—how much do we actually need in the end? Sometimes, it’s okay to disconnect. You can be in a car, looking out the window, without having your phone in your hand. It’s fine.
I&T Today: Do you prefer playing a good guy or a bad guy? Or does it not really matter to you?
Tucci: If the role is well-written, I’ll play it. If a bad guy is one-dimensional and gratuitous, I’m not interested. The same goes for a good guy. If they’re one-note, it’s boring. I look for roles with texture, depth, and humanity, whether the character is good, bad, or somewhere in between.
I&T Today: What are your thoughts on the current use of technology in filmmaking, such as AI and de-aging technology? How does it affect the craft of acting?
Tucci: Some of the de-aging technology is interesting, but it’s not quite refined enough yet, and sometimes it can look strange. As for AI, it’s great on many levels, but it could eventually make all of us obsolete, which is a bit scary.
I think the Russo brothers are at the forefront of cinema technology, and what they’re doing is really exciting. It’s made complicated scenes much simpler and safer to film. For example, with weaponry, you don’t necessarily need the real thing; a lot of the work can be done in post-production, which makes the process safer and more efficient.
However, there’s a concern that it could make certain crafts, like set building, obsolete, though I don’t see that happening anytime soon. A movie like Conclave is a good example—some of the sets, like the Sistine Chapel, were built for a different project but used here, with the rest painted in later. It’s a balance between technology and traditional craftsmanship, and that’s what we should strive for.
I&T Today: The Russo brothers are known for making grand movies on a massive scale, but when watching them, you don’t necessarily think about the CGI. There’s an emotional connection that feels real. What’s your take on that?
Tucci: That’s exactly why the Marvel movies, and their other projects, are so successful. There’s a real depth of character, feeling, and subtlety. They never rely on emotional clichés, which is refreshing.
They also have a great sense of humor, but they never rely on overly bold or clichéd emotional moments. Working with them is a pleasure because they approach the scenes like you’re working on a play. They block the scenes and rehearse them thoroughly.
Then, when it’s time to shoot, one of them might suggest, “Let’s place the camera here, and there, and that’s it.” They take care of the rest in post-production, which makes it easy for the actors. It’s a very collaborative environment. You get the work done, have a great time doing it, and finish in a timely manner. And then, after a productive day, everyone heads out to grab a meal together. It’s a nice, relaxed vibe.
Catch The Electric State on Netflix on March 14!
The complete interview will be published in the Spring 9.5 print issue of Innovation & Tech Today! Subscribe here.
