For science fiction aficionados and television binge-watchers alike, a new series is on the horizon that promises to intertwine complex narratives with intriguing character dynamics. The Emmy Award-winning creators of “Game of Thrones,” David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, have turned their attention to adapting another literary masterpiece, this time reaching across the globe to China for Liu Cixin’s highly acclaimed novel ‘The Three-Body Problem’. With a rich tapestry of actors, including “Game of Thrones” veteran Liam Cunningham and Marvel’s Benedict Wong, Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation is poised to be a standout addition to an already impressive lineup.
Liam Cunningham, well-known as the honorable Davos Seaworth in “Game of Thrones,” is trading in his adviser’s mantle for a starkly different role in the new series. Cunningham will play Thomas Wade, a charismatic and enigmatic head of an elite intelligence operation. Reflecting on his character, Cunningham hints at a complex personality: “He’s very driven and I’ll be very happy to buy him some drinks to keep him happy as he’s a very dangerous man. But he gets the job done,” he explains with an appreciation for Wade’s effectiveness.
Parallel to Cunningham’s leap from his previous persona is Benedict Wong’s portrayal of Da Shi, an ex-intelligence officer turned detective—rigorous and uncompromising. Da Shi’s Northern English accent offers a touch of familiarity for Wong, who hails from Greater Manchester. The actor’s prior involvement with Netflix as Kublai Khan in “Marco Polo” adds yet another layer to his compelling career narrative. Wong describes Da Shi with a chuckle: “He works in counter-terrorism…he’s been fired and promoted as well. We can say he has failed upwards.”
The dynamic between the two characters appears to be driven by their shared commitment to their respective duties, regardless of the unconventional methods they may employ. Cunningham even interjects to underscore the uniqueness of Da Shi’s approach, simply stating that it is “unconventional.”
For Cunningham, “3 Body Problem” is more than an exciting new project; it presents a jubilant reunion with John Bradley and Sir Jonathan Pryce, his former co-stars from “Game of Thrones.” The rapport and camaraderie among the cast serve as a solid foundation for the storytelling prowess of Benioff and Weiss.
Reflecting on the decision to join the series, Cunningham shares his journey: “I was talking to some other people for another big project and I got a phone call from the guys, David and Dan. They said ‘You’re not going with those guys, you’re coming with us’.” Despite initially knowing very little about what awaited him, Cunningham’s faith in the showrunners’ vision was a decisive factor in his commitment.
On the other side, Benedict Wong echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the allure of working with such a formidable team, including the third showrunner, Alexander Woo. The promise of being part of such a colossal production enticed Wong to participate. He also reflects on the ease of filming due to the showrunners’ precision and clarity about what they want to achieve.
The adaptation of “The Three-Body Problem” is not merely a science fiction story; it represents a melding of global creative talents, from its Chinese source material origins to its international cast and crew. This Netflix series is slated to make a significant impact upon its release, set for March 21, 2024, marking another ambitious step in the streaming giant’s quest to deliver diverse, quality content to its global audience.
“The Three-Body Problem” stands poised to captivate viewers with its intricate plot, grounded in Liu Cixin’s imaginative landscape, and brought to life through the artistic vision of celebrated creators. With a stellar cast ready to embody the complexities of the narrative, Netflix’s foray into this science fiction realm is one of anticipation and potential—a story of cosmic proportions translated for the screen.
