Prime Video’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Show From The Expanse Author Needs To Avoid 1 Common Mistake

As a huge fan of sci-fi, I was thrilled to hear Prime Video is adapting another series by the authors of The Expanse! They really knocked it out of the park with that show, so it makes sense they’d want to work with James S.A. Corey (aka Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) again. But, honestly, they need to avoid one big pitfall if they want this new adaptation to succeed.

In the series The Captive’s War, a group of humans are captured when the Carryx aliens conquer their planet. To survive under the Carryx’s harsh rule, the humans must demonstrate their value, or face death. But they refuse to accept their fate and are determined to resist.

With the talented team behind The Expanse now working on The Captive’s War, this new sci-fi show has the potential to be a real hit. To succeed, however, the creators need to carefully consider their creative choices and avoid pitfalls that often plague science fiction and fantasy series.

The Captive’s War Cannot Rely Too Heavily On CGI

CGI Could Be The Downfall Of The Captive’s War

Many science fiction and fantasy shows and movies use so much CGI that it actually takes away from the experience. When special effects are overdone, even a good story can end up looking artificial and silly.

Since The Captive’s War takes place on an alien planet, it’s tempting to rely heavily on computer-generated imagery. However, the filmmakers should use CGI sparingly and thoughtfully, focusing on how it can improve the storytelling. They could also benefit from using the Volume technology to build more realistic and engaging sets.

Practical Effects Would Elevate The Captive’s War

Practical Effects Would Suck The Viewers Into The Story

Look, I get the desire to move away from heavy CGI, but completely ditching it for The Captive’s War just isn’t realistic. If they tried, the show would instantly look dated – like something from a much older sci-fi series. And while I appreciate classic shows, a modern space opera needs to feel modern, you know? They need to use CGI smartly, not necessarily avoid it entirely.

The Prime Video series could combine real-world effects and sets with computer-generated imagery. This blend has proven successful in visually acclaimed productions like The Mandalorian and Dune.

Using more practical effects would help make The Captive’s War easier for viewers to connect with. The settings and alien creatures aren’t similar to Earth or humans; the Carryx and their empire feel completely foreign. Building a more believable world with practical effects would make the story feel more real and require less imagination from the audience.

Practical Effects Or Puppets Are The Best Option For The Captive War’s Aliens

CGI Aliens Would Look Too Fake

Creating the aliens in The Captive’s War would really benefit from practical effects. While it might take more work, using physical creatures instead of relying solely on digital effects is a great way to connect with the audience and make them believe in what they’re seeing.

Most convincing aliens and creatures in movies and TV shows are brought to life using a combination of CGI and real-world effects, or by relying on practical effects alone. Films like Jurassic Park, the Alien series, and The Legend of Ochi are great examples. The Captive’s War would benefit from taking a similar approach.

2025-12-27 02:40