Prime Video is set to adapt another sci-fi book series written by The Expanse’s author, but they need to be careful not to make 1 common mistake. After the success of The Expanse, I’m not surprised that Prime jumped at the opportunity to adapt the newest book series by James S.A. Corey, the pen name for the writing duo Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.
The series, The Captive’s War, follows a group of humans who are taken as prisoners after their human-settled planet is conquered by aliens called the Carryx. Under the Caryyx’s ruthless empire, the humans must prove themselves useful, or they’ll be killed. However, the prisoners won’t give in to the oppression without a fight.
The Captive’s War has everything necessary to be one of the most exciting new sci-fi shows. The showrunner, director, and authors of The Expanse are all signed on to create the show. However, they need to make strategic creative decisions to avoid a common sci-fi and fantasy mistake.
The Captive’s War Cannot Rely Too Heavily On CGI
CGI Could Be The Downfall Of The Captive’s War
The sci-fi and fantasy genres are rife with TV shows and movies that rely too heavily on CGI to the point that it becomes distracting. Over-reliance on computer-generated special effects can ruin a really great story, making it look cheesy and fake.
Considering The Captive’s War is set on a different planet filled with aliens, the impulse might be to go the CGI route. However, they need to have restraint and use it very strategically to enhance the story, rather than leaning into it. What’s more, the show could use the Volume tech to create a more immersive set.
Practical Effects Would Elevate The Captive’s War
Practical Effects Would Suck The Viewers Into The Story
The reason I say they need to use it strategically, rather than avoid it altogether, is that I don’t think there’s a feasible way for The Captive’s War to abandon CGI completely without it looking like it walked out of the last decade. Don’t get me wrong, I love older sci-fi shows, but I wouldn’t think a modern space opera wants to be compared to that era.
However, the Prime Video series could integrate practical effects and physical sets with CGI. This approach worked for shows like The Mandalorian and movies like Dune, both of which are highly praised for their visuals.
Additionally, the use of practical effects would make The Captive’s War more accessible. The environments and alien species are neither Earthlike nor humanoid. The Carryx and their empire feel worlds away from anything we know. An immersive world with practical effects would ground the story in reality and require less suspension of disbelief from the audience.
Practical Effects Or Puppets Are The Best Option For The Captive War’s Aliens
CGI Aliens Would Look Too Fake
The place where practical effects would be especially effective in The Captive’s War is creating the aliens. Despite the extra effort required, practical creatures are a surefire way to win over the audience.
Many successful instances of aliens and fictional creatures have either blended CGI and practical effects or gone entirely practical. We’ve seen it with Jurassic Park, the Alien movies, The Legend of Ochi, and so many more. The Captive’s War would be smart to follow in their footsteps.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
