The science fiction film The Electric State has been streaming at Netflix since last week and kidnapping into a dystopian world. In it, people stand on war foot with robots that appear in a wide variety of forms. One of the robots is called Mr. Peanut and also looks just like an peanut.
We broke up the background story of the figure.
The Electric State at Netflix: Who is Mr. Peanut?
Although The Electric State introduces us to many new figures that we have seen anywhere else, the new film of the Russo brothers with some references to pop culture is waiting for-and this is exactly where comes Mr. Peanut into play. The has existed as a mascot of the food company Planter since 1916.
The figure was created by Antonio Gentile, who was just 14 years old at the time and the anthropomorphic peanut, who happily walked through the area with a walking stick, submitted as a contribution to a design competition. Planters chose Mr. Peanut as a winner and Gentile received five US dollars for it.
Later the experienced artist Andrew S. Wallach came on board and modified the sketch. In addition to his walking stick, a monocle, white gloves, spad and a cylinder hat were part of the unmistakable design of the figure, which bears the full name Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe.
In front of The Electric State: Mr Peanut was even brought to life by Robert Downey Jr.
Printed on packaging, animated in TV spots: Mr. Peanut is hardly known in Germany, but is one of the most popular advertising figures in the USA and has long since found its permanent place in pop culture. Three well-known actors already brought the peanut to life: Robert Downey Jr. (2010-2013), Bill Hader (2013-2017), Keith Ferguson (2020-Heute).
However, Mr. Peanut has not yet been seen in a full -length feature film. The version of The Electric State, spoken by Woody Harrelson, marks the first appearance of this kind. It feels a bit as if the Russo brothers have shot their own Ready Player One for branded mascot in this regard.
The Electric State streams at Netflix since March 14, 2025. With a budget of allegedly $ 320 million, the sci-fi blockbuster is the most expensive Netflix original film to date. In addition to monocele legend Mr. Peanut, Hollywood stars such as Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt can be seen in the leading roles.