Will ‘3 Body Problem’ be Netflix’s sci-fi ‘Game of Thrones?’ We asked the people behind it

Netflix’s adaptation of Liu Cixin’s classic science fiction novel hits screens March 21st. Fans of the series could not be more excited about it.

3 Body Problem is an adaptation of the first novel of Liu’s epic Remembrance of Earth’s Pastsci-fi trilogy. The eight episode Netflix series explores the larger-than-life tale of a pivotal decision in the 1960s that changes the fate of the earth and its inhabitants for good.

One Decision to Doom Them All

It all begins during the Cultural Revolution in China. Disillusioned with humanity after her father’s brutal murder, young prodigy Ye Wenjie makes a fateful decision. The effects of her choice echo across space and time, and when the narrative picks up again in the present day, a team of brilliant scientists prepares to fight a war they might not win.

Cixin’s bookThe Three-Body Problem has it all: an interdimensional gaming experience, mind-bending mysteries science cannot attempt to fathom, and a potential extraterrestrial invasion. Considering the sheer breadth and complexity of the narrative, the novel could not be easy to adapt to screens. However, creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss — of Game of Thrones fame — and Alexander Woo seem up for the task if the trailers and sneak peeks are any indication.

Like most book-to-screen adaptations, there will be some deviations. The experience of watching a television series is different from watching a feature film, [which] is so different from the experience of reading a novel. What we are hoping to do is to convey the experience — if not necessarily the exact details — of the novel onto the screen,” Woo told Netflix’s Tudum. “What stayed, we hope, is the sense of wonderment and the sense of scope, of scale, where the problems are no longer just the problems of an individual or even a nation, but of an entire species,” he added.

Trailers and Teasers

As the release date looms, fans are getting more and more content in the form of multiple trailers and teasers. Despite no dearth of updates, the released clips have intensified viewers’ intrigue. They are coming, and the world must prepare itself for the onslaught. But who are they? The trailers offer few hints aside from images of an opening sky as scientifically impossible phenomena unfold.

The first look at an exclusive clip delves into the metaverse that comprises a core part of the narrative. Though the game takes place in a different dimension, it smells, tastes, and feels real. The first official trailer veers away from the game. It tells a story of terrible mystery, one where 30 scientists have wound up dead, and a countdown looms large. But Benedict Wong’s character, Da Shi, is doggedly on the trail and will stop at nothing till he figures out what it all means.

The final trailer, released on March 7, doesn’t do much to dispel the air of mystery. There is talk of war — probably the most critical one humanity has ever fought. In the trailer, the sky itself shifts into something unknown and impossible. Humanity panics as the most brilliant minds worldwide gear up to fight such an epic war that no one may live to record its outcome.

A Star-Studded Cast

The show’s director, Derek Tsang, is at the helm alongside creators Weiss, Benioff, and Woo. The cast is stacked, as several actors from Game of Thrones are slated to play the book’s iconic characters. Wong, best known as the current Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, plays disillusioned yet determined intelligence officer Da Shi.

The show also features Jess Hong as Jin Cheng, Jovan Adepo as Saul Durand, Eiza González as Augustina “Auggie” Salazar, John Bradley as Jack Rooney, and Alex Sharp as Will Downing. Zine Tseng and Rosalind Chao play Ye Wenjie as a child and an adult, respectively.

Jonathan Pryce and Ben Schnetzer both play Mike Evans at separate points in the character’s life. Liam Cunningham appears as Wade, Marlo Kelly as Tatiana, Sea Shimooka as Sophon, Saamer Usmani as Raj Varma, and Eve Ridley as Follower.

There’s Even a Podcast?

3 Body Problem is one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects yet. Boasting an exceptional cast and talented creators, it appears the team will stop at nothing to ensure its success.

That includes a brand new Netflix-produced companion podcast to the show.

Pop culture expert Jason Concepcion and scientist, educator, and TV presenter Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock will host as they dig into the science and story behind every episode, complete with behind-the-scenes details.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.