"The Three Body Problem" by Liu Cixin is a must-read book for any sci-fi fan. It achieved commercial success and critical acclaim in the West. This was the biggest sci-fi breakthrough in literature, coming after "The Martian" by Andy Weir, published a few years back.
Netflix sought out television sci-fi writers with substantial experience adapting books for the small screen. They are led by "Game of Thrones" writer David Benioff and Daniel Brendan 'D.B.' Weiss. Joining them is Alexander Woo, known for his work on "True Blood" and "The Terror: Infamy." In an interview with IGN, the showrunners discussed their approach to the adaptation.
The writers found Liu's narrative compelling, with its intricate layers and unexpected twists. The story, which includes historical events and blends genres seamlessly, kept readers engaged. According to BBC, "The Three-Body Problem" is an expansive science fiction tale that delves into secret scientific projects, encounters with extraterrestrial beings in distant solar systems, and a peculiar video game illustrating the growth and decline of civilizations across millennia.
Benioff particularly appreciated the novel's compelling characters and their struggles. From Ye Wenjie's compelling arc to the intimate moments of human connection, the story resonated with him on a deeply personal level, transcending the boundaries of the sci-fi genre.
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The trio began working on the adaptation in February 2020. It continued virtually due to the pandemic for the next two years. They planned to add more diversity to the cast of characters, including various ethnicities and nationalities for the five scientists, known as 'The Oxford Five.' However, they intended to maintain Ye Wenjie's storyline closely aligned with the book's narrative, making it a central theme in the series adaptation.
Central to this vision was staying true to Ye Wenjie's transformative journey, rooted in the historical context of the Cultural Revolution. While expanding the ensemble of characters to reflect a global perspective, the writers remained faithful to the core themes and mysteries that captivated readers.
Woo emphasized that the adaptation sought to preserve the source material's spirit, capturing the same sense of wonder and intrigue that defined the novels. While certain details were reimagined for the screen, the overarching goal was creating a series that would resonate with existing and new fans.
Early reviews are divided on whether the writers have successfully executed the gamble. Positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes outnumber negative ones. AV Club's review suggested that the series balances grand cosmic events and relatable storytelling. However, it occasionally ventures into expansive virtual worlds. Characters are pulled from different parts of the book trilogy, adding depth to the story without changing its core.
Despite dealing with complex scientific ideas, the script remains easy to understand without oversimplifying, ensuring viewers can follow along without losing track of the story's essence. Despite jumping around in time and space, the series stays coherent, even with its large cast.
However, the series is criticized for its serious tone and lack of humor. The visual effects and music contribute to this serious atmosphere, potentially detracting from the viewing experience.
"3 Body Problem" premieres on Netflix on March 21.
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