Philip K. Dick’s novellaThe Variable Mangets an adaptation fromHumansco-creators Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent. The author, also behindDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?andThe Man in the High Castle, has been widely regarded forhis prominent impact on the sci-fi genre.Originally released in 1953,The Variable Manfocuses on Thomas Cole, who is transported to the future amid a war between Terra and Centaurus.
According toDeadline, Brackley and Vincent are now adaptingThe Variable Man. Motive Pictures, the British company from Simon Maxwell, is collaborating with Electric Shepherd and the adaptation will air in the UK. However, Maxwell explains that having Brackley and Vincent on board and “exploring the modern world through a genre lens” canhelp garner a wide release in the United States.He adds that creating shows with strong talent can build “excitement to attract the commissions and co-finance” and that all of this may work to draw additional networks. Read Maxwell’s comments below:
When you’ve got Sam and John doing what they did so brilliantly withHumansand exploring the modern world through a genre lens, it is something that can absolutely attract broadcasters in the U.S. We’re developing shows with all of those stars and if you build projects in the right way, you can generate enough excitement to attract the commissions and co-finance.
We don’t have a crystal ball – nothing is guaranteed – but what we are doing is crafting bespoke projects with singular talent. That’s a recipe we’ve found fruitful in terms of getting broadcasters to the table.
What This Means For The Variable Man
It Could Become A Highly Successful Project
This upcoming adaptation ofThe Variable Mancould be a success for Brackley and Vincent,especially if it expands beyond the UK audience.Humanswas released in multiple regions, airing on Channel 4 in the UK and AMC in the U.S. It also generated a loyal fanbase through three seasons, a possible result of those networks. The show centered on robotic “Synths” and their relations with humans, portraying ever-relevant ideas surrounding AI. Now, revisiting the sci-fi genre forThe Variable Man, Brackley and Vincent have an opportunity to continue a trend of well-madeprojects based on Dick’s work.
10 Best Movies and TV Shows Based On Philip K. Dick Stories
Philip K. Dick is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Not only did he impact literature, but film and television as well.
Stories by Philip K. Dick present interesting concepts and sci-fi worlds suitable for adaptations, even if some movies and television shows are more favorably received than others. This proved accurate on several occasions, including whenWe Can Remember It for You Wholesalewas used as the basis forTotal Recalland when Steven Spielberg helmed the $358 million-earningMinority Reportadaptation. However, one of the most notable projects to date isBlade Runner,based on Dick’s novelDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Our Take On The Variable Man
Brackley And Vincent Can Make A Strong Adaptation
There is optimism surroundingThe Variable Manadaptation and recent comments from Maxwell suggest that the show will be positioned for success. Having Brackley and Vincent attached is promising, and it will be interesting to see what actors get cast or whether they have large crossover appeal. Dick’s novella could translate to television if well-adapted, and considering their previous work onHumans,Brackley and Vincent may be able to replicate that series' performance withThe Variable Man.
