Netflix’s new sci-fi show 3 Body Problem has proven a big hit for the streaming platform, and one of its co-creators has weighed in on story plans and a potential season count for the series. Based on the Chinese novel The Three-Body Problem by author Liu Cixin, the show was adapted by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and follows a group of scientists facing an existential planetary threat. Although the sci-fi show has dominated Netflix’s global charts in its second week, 3 Body Problem has yet to be renewed for season 2.
In a recent interview with Collider, co-creator Benioff discussed the direction the show could take if Netflix gives them the greenlight. He talked about how there are three books in the series, with season 1 being a direct adaptation of the first novel. He revealed that season 2 could follow the second book. However, he hinted that there could be four seasons in total, explaining that the third novel could be made in two seasons due to its extensive material. Check out Benioff’s full comments below:
The positive reviews for 3 Body Problem could mean it could become the streamer’s new flagship show. Season 2 will likely focus on the second novel in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, The Dark Forest, which explores the dark forest hypothesis that many alien civilizations exist across the universe, but stay undetectable for fear of destruction. This could open up many avenues for season 2 to explore and might even lead to a confrontation between multiple alien civilizations.
Whether the show could continue beyond season 2 would rely on the show’s overall viewership success on Netflix. If so, it is not surprising that Benioff is suggesting that the sci-fi series could total four seasons when Cixin’s set only contains three novels. The third book, Death’s End, is the longest entry in the novel series with 592 pages, almost doubling the count of The Three-Body Problem. Therefore, it makes sense to break the third novel into two seasons to dedicate more time to adapt the story faithfully without being rushed.
So far, 3 Body Problem‘s smart and engaging narrative has clearly resonated with viewers, holding an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Therefore, all the components to make it the next Netflix mega-hit will depend on Weiss and Benioff’s ability to carry the story and do the novel series justice. Benioff’s comment is also a promising sign, considering the heavy criticism he and his creative partner received for rushing Game of Thrones. If 3 Body Problem can continue its deep storytelling and break down the conflict with the San-Ti, it could wind up being a long-term hit for Netflix.
Source: Collider
See 3 Body Problem On Netflix