Netflix: Latin America Adapts Philip K. Dick’s Novel

Netflix Latin America is embarking on a highly ambitious project, greenlighting “The Future Is Ours” (El futuro es nuestro), a dystopian limited series based on Philip K. Dick’s acclaimed 1956 science fiction novel, “The World Jones Made.” This marks a significant move for the streaming giant, as it represents the first-ever Spanish-language adaptation of the iconic author’s work for the screen. With principal photography already underway, the production is poised to deliver a unique, pan-Latin American vision of a future grappling with environmental collapse and emergent messianic figures.

Bringing Philip K. Dick to Latin America: ‘The World Jones Made’ Reimagined

“The Future Is Ours” draws its narrative core from Philip K. Dick’s “The World Jones Made,” a novel exploring themes of precognition, faith, and societal breakdown. The adaptation is being helmed by Spanish showrunner Mateo Gil, renowned for his writing credits including the Oscar-winning film “The Sea Inside”. Gil’s vision for the series involves a significant reinterpretation of the source material. While Dick’s original novel featured elements of alien invasions and mutant beings, “The Future Is Ours” pivots to a future shaped by a catastrophic ecological crisis and subsequent economic collapse.

The series is set in the not-so-distant future, beginning in 2047. In this timeline, a major disruption of the global food system in the early 2030s led to widespread state bankruptcies and economic instability, plunging the world into extreme violence and environmental degradation. This contemporary relevance of Dick’s themes, particularly the central idea of a man who can foresee the future within a Latin American context, resonated deeply with the production team. Francisco Ramos, Netflix’s VP of Content for Latin America, emphasized this connection, stating that the intertwining of faith, art, and the creation of an entire universe felt especially powerful for the region.

A Pan-Latin American Vision: Cast, Crew, and Setting

A defining characteristic of “The Future Is Ours” is its commitment to being a “truly Latin American show,” transcending geographical and national boundaries. This philosophy is reflected in the diverse ensemble cast and crew assembled from across the continent. The series features:

• Cast: Emiliano Zurita (Mexico), Delfina Chaves (Argentina), Marco Antonio Caponi (Argentina), Alfredo Castro (Chile), Enzo Vogrincic (Uruguay), and Marleyda Soto (Colombia).
• Directors: Brazilian directors Vicente Amorim (“Senna”) and Daniel Rezende (“The Son of a Thousand Men”), alongside Argentine director Jesús Braceras (“Barrabrava”).
• Screenwriters: Mateo Gil co-wrote the adaptation with Laura Santullo, Camila Brugés Gómez (“One Hundred Years of Solitude”), and Kyzza Terrazas.

The narrative unfolds within a “South American Federation” (FedSur), a coalition of countries formed to impose stringent measures against the ecological crisis, widespread hunger, and violence. The capital of this federation is set in Asunción, Paraguay, providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama. This intentional diversity in talent and setting aims to offer a broad and varied range of backgrounds and perspectives within the story.

Narrative Core: Prophecy, Power, and a Dystopian Future

The eight-episode limited series is set in 2047, a world severely impacted by ecological collapse. Amidst this chaos, a new, compelling voice emerges online—a man claiming to predict the future. This figure is Jonas Flores (played by Emiliano Zurita). Police officer Hugo Crussí (Enzo Vogrincic) traces and arrests Flores, but this act inadvertently elevates Flores to the status of a spiritual leader across the continent overnight.

Jonas Flores’ prophecies include the downfall of FedSur and humanity’s triumph over climate change, inspiring millions across Latin America to join his revolutionary movement. Meanwhile, Crussí, now hunted by the very regime he serves, embarks on a mission to stop the charismatic prophet, a task made increasingly complex as Flores seemingly foresees Crussí’s every move. This intricate cat-and-mouse game, set against a backdrop of societal upheaval and the potent allure of foreknowledge, forms the central conflict of the series.

The Scale of Ambition: Production Insights

Netflix’s commitment to “The Future Is Ours” is evident in the scale of its production. Francisco Ramos highlighted it as one of their “most ambitious and complex productions,” placing it on par with other large-scale Netflix Latin America projects such as “One Hundred Years of Solitude” or “The Eternaut.” This level of investment underscores Netflix’s strategy to produce high-quality, regionally significant content that can resonate globally.

Isa Dick Hackett, Executive Producer and daughter of Philip K. Dick, is also deeply involved through Electric Shepherd Productions, the company responsible for previous adaptations of her father’s work like “The Man in the High Castle.” Hackett expressed her excitement for the project, noting Mateo Gil’s inventive and bold adaptation, which still retains the essence of the original novel. She believes the “rich culture and incredible talent in Latin America provide an extraordinary setting for this sort of ambitious project” and aims to bring “unexpected voices” to her father’s adaptations. Filming for the series is taking place across Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Behind the Scenes: Key Creative and Production Teams

The ambitious series is a collaborative effort, produced by K&S Films, known for “The Eternaut,” and Electric Shepherd Productions. The executive producer team includes Isa Dick Hackett, Sarah Scougal, Matías Mosteirín, Diego Copello, Emiliano Torres, Micky Buye, and Analía Castro. This combination of seasoned producers and a diverse creative team emphasizes the significant resources and talent being dedicated to bringing “The Future Is Ours” to fruition.

Conclusion

“The Future Is Ours” represents a bold and significant venture for Netflix Latin America, marrying the timeless speculative fiction of Philip K. Dick with a distinctly regional perspective. By reimagining “The World Jones Made” through the lens of ecological crisis and a pan-Latin American cultural tapestry, the series aims to deliver a complex, engaging, and highly relevant dystopian narrative. This production not only highlights Netflix’s commitment to ambitious projects in the region but also showcases the depth of talent and storytelling prowess within Latin America, promising a compelling exploration of faith, power, and the future.