Netflix is ambitiously expanding its sci-fi catalog with an upcoming Philip K. Dick adaptation. Interestingly, a closer look at the adaptation in question reveals how it can perfectly fill the void left by another iconic cyberpunk TV show.

Almost a decade ago, Netflix was incredibly experimental with its sci-fi offerings. Some of the most ambitious original sci-fi shows, like Sense8, The OA, and Travelers, premiered on the streamer in the mid 2010s. While the streaming service still has a few high-concept shows, like 3 Body Problem, most of its sci-fi series seem a little too generic.

With its upcoming adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made, however, Netflix seems to be leveling things up. Like most Philip K. Dick stories, this show, too, will be packed with his absurd and philosophical sensibilities. These aspects will help it etch its own identity in the genre. At the same time, though, it could fill the massive void that Mr. Robot left behind.

Netflix’s New Philip K. Dick Adaptation Can Fill The Void Mr. Robot Left Behind

Some might argue that Mr. Robot was never a true cyberpunk series. However, the show undeniably captures a unique space in the sci-fi genre with its cyber-thriller realism, relatable anti-capitalist themes, and psychological unreliability. Even its protagonist, Eliott, seemed to embody the classic cyberpunk low-life hacker trope, struggling in a world of big tech and mega-corporations.

Owing to the show’s distinct style and storytelling, it can never truly be replaced. Still, Netflix’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The World Jones Made, titled The Future Is Ours, can come close to being its follow-up. The original Philip K. Dick story is far from being cyberpunk and was published long before the subgenre became a thing.

Like Mr. Robot, though, it features an eccentric protagonist who steps into the role of a messianic figure. Similar to Rami Malek’s Eliott, Jones in the Philip K. Dick story sets out to bring a revolutionary shift in society. However, his efforts are held back by the government that enforces “Relativism” on people. According to this doctrine, stating anything as an absolute truth is illegal to prevent conflict.

Just E Corp in Mr. Robot, the Fedgov in The World Jones Made is oppressive and determined to snag the freedom of its citizens. The main characters in both understand how human agency is being suppressed under the guise of stability. This prompts them to start an underground counter-cultural rebellion that eventually backfires on them.

Mr. Robot Is A Timeless Masterpiece, But Netflix’s Future Is Ours Seems No Less Promising

As more and more years go by, Mr. Robot‘s portrayal of themes surrounding global debt, consumerism, and digital privacy become even more relatable. Even Eliott’s musings about the illusion of choice in our hyperconnected society make more sense and seem eerily prescient. Owing to the timelessness of its themes and storytelling, Mr. Robot will always find its place among the best modern sci-fi shows.

Netflix’s The Future Is Ours, however, also seems no less promising. The upcoming series is produced by K&S Films (Netflix’s The Eternaut) in partnership with Electric Shepherd Productions​​​​​​​ (The Man in the High Castle).

It is a limited series with eight episodes from Netflix Latin America​​​​​​​ with Mateo Gil as its showrunner and Enzo Vogrincic, Emiliano Zurita, Delfina Chaves, Marco Antonio Caponi, and Marleyda Soto as its primary cast members.

The Netflix sci-fi show is also introducing some big changes to the source material to modernize and ground its story in realism. While this could prove problematic and not sit too well with Philip K. Dick’s fans, the show’s promising production team and cast suggests it has immense potential.