A recent report has unveiled that the per-episode budget of the upcoming series '3 Body Problem' surpasses that of the final season of 'Game of Thrones.' Helmed by the creators of 'Game of Thrones,' David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, '3 Body Problem' is an adaptation of Liu Cixin's renowned novel series, delving into humanity's encounter with an enigmatic alien force. The show features a stellar cast, including Eiza Gonzales, Benedict Wong, Liam Cunningham, Jonathan Pryce, and John Bradley.
Prior to its anticipated release this spring, The Wall Street Journal has disclosed that each episode of '3 Body Problem' commands a budget of approximately $20 million. With a planned 8-episode first season, the total budget for the show is estimated to be around $160 million, positioning it as one of Netflix's most expensive original series to date. In comparison, the most costly season of 'Game of Thrones,' season 8, had a per-episode budget of $15 million.
While Netflix has a history of investing substantial sums in its original content, the price tag attached to '3 Body Problem' presents a significant financial risk for the streaming platform. Despite the existing popularity of the source material and its dedicated fan base, the intricate nature of the sci-fi narrative may pose a challenge in attracting a broader audience beyond avid readers and sci-fi enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, with the creative prowess of Benioff and Weiss, the adaptation of '3 Body Problem' holds promise. Although the later seasons of 'Game of Thrones' faced criticism for deviating from George R.R. Martin's novels, the duo demonstrated their storytelling capabilities when drawing from the source material. Adapting complex works like epic fantasy or sci-fi tales is no easy feat, yet Benioff and Weiss have a proven track record in navigating such genres.
'3 Body Problem' marks the second major adaptation of Cixin's works, following a Chinese series supported by Tencent that premiered in January 2023. The creators envision a total of 4 seasons for '3 Body Problem,' aiming for a high standard of success given the substantial budget of the first season. While the reception of the series remains to be seen, the generous budget suggests that Benioff and Weiss' rendition will aptly capture the grandeur and depth of this sci-fi saga.
Source: The Wall Street Journal (The Playlist)
'3 Body Problem' is a Netflix original series from David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, based on Liu Cixin's novel. The storyline revolves around a detective who teams up with scientists to investigate a series of mysterious scientist deaths worldwide.
