Peacock’s new sci-fi thriller Teacup is based on the novel Stinger by Robert R. McCammon. It focuses on a rural family and their neighbors who are unknowingly trapped in a conflict of cosmic proportions, stuck inside an invisible but deadly trap.
Despite the otherworldly origin of the story, Teacup is set in a very down-to-earth location – a remote Georgia farm with neighbors miles away. The characters are relatable, with the main goal being to protect themselves and survive. This realistic approach even influenced the design of the special effects.
Adapting the novel for the screen required bringing every terrifying detail to life. SYFY WIRE spoke with Carey Jones of KNB EFX Group about the process of designing the horror in Teacup.
Creating the terrifying visual effects of Peacock’s Teacup
“A lot of the preparation involved studying human anatomy, including the layers of the body. We looked at various grotesque references to stay grounded in reality. The idea was to maintain a human appearance even after a transformation,” Jones explained.
The pivotal moment in Teacup’s first episode involves a warning not to cross a blue line, which leads to a shocking transformation of a wild dog. Every creature affected by the line had to be made up of existing sinew, bones, and flesh.
Series creator Ian McCulloch provided a vision for the world of Teacup, and the effects team presented a range of ideas. Through collaboration, they developed the show’s twisted aesthetic, ensuring that each creation reflected the trap’s influence.
The contorted victims in Teacup convey a deeper story through their appearance, revealing how the trap works. The collaboration between teams was crucial in achieving the desired motion and storytelling in the final product.
“Establishing motion was very important, it tells the story of what happened before they crossed the line. It’s frozen in time,” Jones said. Achieving seamless integration of effects, lighting, and performances required constant communication and coordination.
Don’t miss new episodes of Teacup every Thursday, exclusively on Peacock.