The Three Body Problem: A Complete Trilogy for Netflix's Sci-Fi Series

The Three-Body Problem Trilogy and Its Source Material

Netflix's upcoming sci-fi series, 3 Body Problem, has garnered attention due to the involvement of creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, best known for their work on Game of Thrones. Fans are eager to know if the Three-Body Problem book series is completed, considering the creators' track record. This curiosity stems from the decline in the quality of Game of Thrones once the show outpaced the source material by George R. R. Martin. The completion of the book series is a crucial factor in determining the potential success of the Netflix adaptation.

Netflix's 3 Body Problem teaser poster featuring a close-up of an eye with the release date reflected

The Three-Body Problem is based on computer engineer-turned-writer Liu Cixin's Hugo Award-winning novel of the same name. The series, which serves as the inspiration for numerous adaptations, has already been adapted into a TV series by Chinese streaming platform Tencent Video and an unreleased feature film. The upcoming Netflix adaptation is expected to live up to the high expectations set by the source material, marking the first English-language attempt at translating Liu's work to the screen.

The Night King in Game of Thrones

Completion of the Three-Body Problem Trilogy

Fortunately for the creators of the Netflix series, the Three-Body Problem trilogy is already finished, providing a comprehensive blueprint for the TV adaptation. Liu's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy consists of three books: The Three-Body Problem, The Dark Forest, and Death's End, all of which were published over a decade ago. Unlike the situation with Game of Thrones, where the source material was incomplete, the completion of the 3 Body Problem books offers a significant advantage to the TV series' creators, enabling them to work from a fully-realized foundation.

Challenges and Potential Pitfalls

Despite having a complete trilogy to work from, the creators of the 3 Body Problem series still face potential challenges in adapting the intricate narrative faithfully. The non-linear storytelling in The Three-Body Problem revolves around the character Ye Wenjie, an astrophysicist whose decisions have far-reaching consequences. The co-creators need to navigate this complex narrative carefully, avoiding excessive changes that could lead to the series' failure. The intricate nature of the sci-fi trilogy poses a significant challenge, and the creators must ensure that the adaptation remains true to Liu's original work.