Chinese writer Liu Cixin’s groundbreaking sci-fi book seriesRemembrance of Earth’s Pastis considered one of the most fundamental pieces of work in the genre in recent years. Unlike many other works in the genre, the books are hardsci-firather than science fantasy likeStar Wars, and its use of theoretical physics and scientific jargon made it difficult to adapt to the screen. Despite this, its popularity meant it was only a matter of time until the series was adapted, and Netflix’s3 Body Problemis the most recent addition to its adaptation library.
Major Spoilers Ahead
As with all adaptations,3 Body Problemhas gone through some significant changes from book to screen, some from necessity and some because of creative input from the filmmakers. The changes include, but are not limited to,
One Protagonist Became Five in 3 Body Problem
The Original Protagonist of The Three-Body Problem
Unraveling the mystery ofThe Three-Body Problemis Wang Miao, a nanotechnology professor. Wang Miao is the character that takes the reader on the journey of discovering the existence of the aliens, the tri-solar system, and the cult that anticipates their arrival. Despite being a pivotal character and the eyes through which the reader discovers the story inThe Three-Body Problem, Wang Miao is entirely removed from the Netflix adaptation. Instead, his role is split among an ensemble cast created for the show calledthe Oxford Five.
The Role of the Oxford Five
This new group of characters areyoung Oxford science graduatesand dropouts who stumble upon the VR game when their mentor, Vera Ye, commits suicide. Their inclusion means the removal of other characters in Wang Miao’s story, such as his family, and has a rippling effect on each storied to this. These changes all result in a series that tells the same story and themes as the book, but the method of telling it is very different. It may be jarring for fans of the book who expect a more faithful adaptation, but dividing the actions of Wang Miao among an ensemble helps variety, making it an understandable change (even if it doesn’t make everyone happy).
3 Body Problem’s Location Change
A Change in Scenery
Unlike its source material,3 Body Problemprimarily takes place in the UK rather than China. As a setting,China plays a massive role inThe Three-Body Problemand its sequel,The Dark Forest. While other settings are also featured, the politics and culture of China lie at the fore of the motivations and ideologies of many of the characters. With the relocation from China to the UK in the modern period, some of that is lost, although it is mitigated by3 Body Problem’s look at other themes such as displacement.
Reasons Behind the Changes
With all the changes seen in3 Body Problem, fans ofRemembrance of Earth’s Pastexpecting abeat-by-beat adaptation ofThe Three-Body Problemwill likely find Netflix’s adaptation confusing. Many of the changes from book to screen could be because of localization for a Western audience, such as the name changes for characters and the setting change. The removal of Wang Miao to an ensemble cast could be because of past criticism that the character is a weak protagonist, while introducing some needed variety to the story. It could also be linked to opening the series to a more diverse cast. It ultimately remains to be seen how these changes impact future adaptations of the series, but there are some interesting implications for certain aspects of the next two books, thoughThe Dark Forestis covered some in3 Body Problem.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular and widely viewed streaming services in the world. Beginning with its mail order DVD service, Netflix has since grown into an entertainment juggernaut, with original shows and movies including Squid Game, Stranger Things, The Irishman, and The Killer.
