Netflix's Philip K. Dick Adaptation Brings Sci-Fi Thriller to Iowa Screens
A new Netflix miniseries based on a Philip K. Dick novel is set to captivate Iowa audiences with its timely themes of freedom, surveillance, and totalitarianism. The eight-episode Spanish-language series, titled El futuro es nuestro (The Future Is Ours), adapts Dick's 1956 novel The World Jones Made and explores the dangers of unchecked power.
The adaptation follows a mutant named Floyd Jones who can see the future with absolute certainty. He uses his power to become Secretary-General of the United Nations, ruling the world by predicting every attempt to overthrow him. The story raises questions about free will versus determinism, themes that resonate deeply in today's political climate.
What Is The Future Is Ours About?
The miniseries is set in 2047 amid an ecological collapse that leads to the rise of a coalition of South American countries called FedSur. This coalition is willing to go to extremes to combat hunger and violence. The conflict centers on preacher Jonas Flores (Emiliano Zurita) and police officer Hugo Crussi (Enzo Vogrincic), who resist the ruler's dominance.
While not one of Dick's most famous works, The World Jones Made examines themes of determinism versus free will that are central to his more surreal stories. The novel reflects Cold War anxieties about surveillance and totalitarianism, making it particularly relevant for modern audiences concerned about government overreach.
Why This Matters for Iowa Viewers
Iowa residents who value individual liberty and limited government will find the series' exploration of authoritarian control compelling. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of concentrating power in a single individual or institution. It also highlights the importance of resistance against oppressive systems, a theme that resonates with conservative values of self-governance and personal freedom.
Hannah Postlethwait, an Iowa author and journalist who wrote about the adaptation for CBR, noted that the series could become the sci-fi event of the decade. Postlethwait, a graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in journalism and American Indian Studies, brings a unique perspective to the story, having written her own speculative fiction novel about AI integration and its effects on humanity.
Who Is Behind the Production?
The series is produced by K&S Films of The Eternaut series and Electric Shepherd Productions, the production side of Philip K. Dick's estate. Electric Shepherd was founded by Dick's daughter, Isa Dick Hackett, in 2007 to expand the author's stories across new platforms. Hackett called the adaptation, adapted by showrunner Mateo Gil, inventive and bold, noting that it retains the original's essence.
This marks the first Spanish-language adaptation of Dick's work, with a talented team of Latin American actors, creators, and crew members bringing the story to life. The production is expected to arrive in 2026, though no official release date has been announced.
What Other Philip K. Dick Adaptations Are Coming?
The Future Is Ours is part of a larger trend of Dick adaptations. Prime Video is also working on Blade Runner 2099, a streaming series set to launch in 2026 that continues from the original Blade Runner film and its sequel. Ridley Scott, who directed the original 1982 film, is involved in the project.
Dick's work has inspired iconic films like Blade Runner and Minority Report, and his stories continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate thought-provoking science fiction. For Iowa viewers, this new series offers an opportunity to engage with timeless questions about power, freedom, and the human condition.
As Postlethwait wrote, the adaptation has the potential to become the sci-fi event of the decade, thanks to its timely and relevant themes. It could make history as a faithful rendition of one of Dick's classic stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will The Future Is Ours be released?
The series is expected to arrive in 2026, though no official date has been announced.
Where can I watch The Future Is Ours?
The series will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Is the series in English or Spanish?
The series is a Spanish-language production, with subtitles likely available for English-speaking audiences.