Netflix’s Philip K. Dick Sci-Fi Adaptation Has A Major Story Problem

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Even though many are looking forward to Netflix’s new show based on the works of Philip K. Dick, it appears to have a significant issue that science fiction fans are likely to dislike.

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve noticed Netflix has been a little cautious with the genre lately. While Apple TV+ is really pushing boundaries and becoming a go-to for amazing sci-fi, Netflix has mostly played it safe. Don’t get me wrong, shows like 3 Body Problem are fantastic, but they’ve been the exception, not the rule. It feels like Netflix hasn’t been taking many big risks with sci-fi, which is a bit disappointing.

Netflix’s new science fiction series, based on a Philip K. Dick novel from over 60 years ago, could be a big step forward for the streaming service’s sci-fi offerings. However, early details about the plot hint at a common problem that often hurts these kinds of adaptations.

Netflix’s Adaptation Of Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made Is Changing The Book In 1 Major Way

Netflix is creating a series based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, The World Jones Made. The show will explore a future where strict rules are put in place to protect the environment and deal with problems like hunger and violence, all following a major ecological disaster that puts humanity at risk. While the story sounds promising, reports indicate that the series is removing the alien element that was present in the original book.

The new Netflix sci-fi series, The Future is Ours, is being made by the creators of popular shows like The Eternaut and One Hundred Years of Solitude. Despite having a strong production team, the show is taking a significant chance by removing the alien storyline that was central to the original story.

The alien storyline isn’t a minor detail in the original book; it’s central to the story’s exploration of prejudice and fear of the unknown, and it powerfully shapes the ending. Removing it from the Netflix series could significantly change the core message and feel of the original work.

Netflix’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made seems to be aiming for realism by highlighting the story’s environmental concerns. However, this might disappoint fans of the book who enjoyed how Dick blended those issues with exciting alien science fiction.

This Isn’t The First Time Netflix Has Significantly Changed An Adaptation’s Source Material

Apple TV has generally found success with its science fiction series by staying true to the original stories they’re based on. Netflix, however, often takes more liberties with source material, changing things to appeal to a wider audience. A recent example is Netflix’s adaptation of The Electric State, which significantly altered the mood and feel of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel.

Several other adaptations, including All the Light We Cannot See and Death Note, didn’t quite live up to their source material because the Netflix live-action versions made substantial changes. While it’s still early days for Netflix’s adaptation of the Philip K. Dick book, a significant alteration to the story suggests it might be heading in a direction that disappoints many of the author’s fans.

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2025-11-16 02:38