The Three-Body Problem: Bringing Liu Cixin’s Epic Trilogy to the Screen

Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, starting with The Three-Body Problem, aims to capture the spirit of the books while introducing diverse characters and captivating audiences with its thrilling narrative.

Bringing Liu Cixin’s Epic Trilogy to the Screen

Chinese author Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, starting with The Three-Body Problem, has captivated science fiction fans around the world. With the English translation winning the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, the trilogy gained global recognition, selling millions of copies.

( Credit to: Ign )

However, despite its literary success, the series has yet to make a significant impact on mainstream Western pop culture. That is about to change, as Netflix acquired the rights for an English language streaming adaptation in 2019.

Challenges of Adapting Liu Cixin’s Complex Narrative

Adapting Liu Cixin’s complex narrative, which delves into astrophysics, extraterrestrial life, and the potential extinction of humanity, presented a significant challenge. To tackle this, Netflix enlisted a team of experienced television writers who have previously successfully adapted sci-fi books into popular series. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners of HBO’s Game of Thrones, and Alexander Woo, executive producer of HBO’s True Blood and creator of The Terror: Infamy, were brought on board after being captivated by Liu Cixin’s work.

The writers recognized the unique qualities that make The Three-Body Problem an ideal candidate for a series. Weiss noted the unexpected beginning of the book, which starts with a real and terrible event, immediately sparking curiosity in readers. Woo praised the author’s ability to seamlessly shift genres within the narrative, starting as historical fiction, then becoming a murder mystery and finally evolving into science fiction. This constant unpredictability was something the writers aimed to capture in their adaptation.

Character Development and Diverse Ensemble

The story opens with Ye Wenjie, a Chinese astrophysicist who survived the Cultural Revolution. She becomes involved in a secret Chinese program searching for extraterrestrial life and decodes a message from the doomed Trisolarans, inviting them to Earth. The series spans decades, featuring a diverse ensemble of Chinese characters. Benioff, who admitted not being a science fiction enthusiast, was immediately drawn to the character of Wenjie, feeling a strong connection to her journey. He emphasized the importance of character development in the series, as it starts and ends with the emotional connection viewers have with the characters.

Adapting the Books Faithfully for the Screen

The writing team began their work in February 2020 but faced the challenges of the pandemic, forcing them to collaborate virtually. Their goal was to adapt the books faithfully while making necessary adjustments to suit the visual medium. They aimed to diversify the ensemble of characters, introducing more ethnicities and countries of origin for the contemporary scientists known as “The Oxford Five.” However, they remained committed to staying true to Ye Wenjie’s story, which serves as a central throughline in the series.

While the writers acknowledged the need to diverge from the source material at times to create an exciting and compelling show, they stressed the importance of capturing the spirit of the books. They wanted to create a series that could stand on its own and attract viewers who had never read the novels. Ultimately, their primary goal was to make a show that they themselves would love, believing that if they loved it, others would too.

Premiere Date and Hopes for the Future

The Three-Body Problem series is set to premiere on Netflix on March 21. The writers hope that the show will not only entertain audiences but also inspire them to delve into Liu Cixin’s remarkable trilogy. With their dedication to character development and the spirit of the books, they aim to create a captivating and thrilling adaptation that will leave a lasting impact.