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When Santana's ship lands on the planet in Riddick (2013) he orders a transported convict to be released, explaining that this will save them 60 kilograms with which the ship would be unable to lift up.

Is this a true problem or just a licentia poetica / cut-over scene / story dramatisation (to show how Riddick's sorrow channels into fury and to underline Santana's cruelty)?

I find it hard to believe that:

  • Santana became aware of this problem only after landing (or we can assume that he knew it earlier, but preferred Riddick over that convict, due to bounty),
  • Santana knew this, but Riddick didn't (since he ordered two teams to leave in one ship),
  • a single woman / 60 kilograms makes any difference for a huge space ship.

Is there anything that I am missing here?

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    This question is unanswerable unless it was specifically stated in the film. Weight and balance are critical for modern aircraft and spacecraft. And, small aircraft have crashed (rather famously) due to weight and balance not being considered or taken seriously. But, we can only speculate about advanced technology from a possible future. – Dean F. Nov 8 '20 at 15:21
  • Seems you have just hit my point of view. The space craft in question didn't crash. It safely landed and only then possible overweight become a problem. I simply don't buy the idea of "kill the girl to make space for Riddick, as we are nearly at a borders of our overweight". On the other hand, you are correct that any answer to this question would be a pure speculation. But, by this you have answered my question actually. I am asking directly: "Did I miss something?" and you answer: "No, nothing that would explain this is directly given in the movie". Consider making your comment an answer. – trejder Nov 9 '20 at 12:39
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This question is unanswerable unless it was specifically stated in the film. Weight and balance are critical for modern aircraft and spacecraft. And, small aircraft have crashed (rather famously) due to weight and balance not being considered or taken seriously. But, we can only speculate about advanced technology from a possible future. In the movie, no further explanation regarding the maximum takeoff weight of the ship is given.

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