Netflix's 'The Three-Body Problem' Adaptation Sparks Debate and Controversy in China
Netflix's Highly Anticipated Adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem" Sparks Controversy and Debate on Weibo Netflix's highly anticipated adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem" is set to premiere in 2024, with an estimated budget of $1.6 billion, making it one of the streaming platform's most expensive projects to date.
21 March 2024
The sci-fi epic, penned by Chinese author Liu Cixin, has become a global phenomenon and is particularly beloved in China. The television adaptation has caused a stir among Chinese viewers, generating excitement as well as disagreement about the portrayal of the original story.
The series cast includes notable actors such as Eiza Gonzalez, Benedict Wong, and John Bradley. As the premiere date approaches, users on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, shared their thoughts on the adaptation, with some expressing disappointment and frustration with the series.
One user, Epeoaee, shared excitement for the adaptation: "Netflix's 'The Three-Body Problem' is coming! The show begins with a bang, so are you ready for the heated discussions?" However, not all reactions were positive.
Netizen "New York Times Chinese edition," citing an article by Mike Hale, critiqued the Chinese version of the TV adaptation, describing it as "an unexceptional adaptation loyal to the original." The article points out that while the adaptation is faithful to the source material, it lacks a certain level of creativity and innovation that would set it apart from other sci-fi productions.
Amidst the excitement and controversy, the behemoth budget for the project has not gone unnoticed. With a single episode budget of $20 million, the adaptation has been compared to Tencent's earlier adaptation, which had a budget of $12 million.
The difference in budgets has led some to question whether the increased spending is necessary, or if it will result in a better adaptation. Chinese viewers are also discussing the casting choices in the adaptation, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the non-Chinese actors taking on pivotal roles. Some Weibo users, including user "Double Language," have shared that they are still fans of Tencent's version of "The Three-Body Problem," noting that it was more authentic to the Chinese setting and culture.
User "Across continents and decades" points out that the Netflix adaptation focuses on five brilliant friends who make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel, and an existential threat emerges. The story unfolds against the backdrop of China during the Cultural Revolution, with unsettling events putting the group on edge. Despite the mixed reactions, the adaptation has garnered significant attention from Chinese viewers.
Director Nikki Wong spoke to reporters about the pressure to deliver a faithful adaptation of Liu's source material, stating, "Our goal is to honor the essence of 'The Three-Body Problem' while creating a visually stunning production that will captivate audiences around the world." As the premiere date draws near, the anticipation and controversy surrounding Netflix's adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem" continue to grow, demonstrating the impact of Liu's story on a global scale. The adaptation may face challenges in satisfying Chinese viewers, particularly those loyal to the original work, but the series is poised to capture the attention of audiences around the world, eager to dive into the mesmerizing world of "The Three-Body Problem." In the end, time will tell how well Netflix's adaptation holds up to the expectations of fans and critics alike. For now, viewers will have to wait and see what the future holds for this hotly anticipated sci-fi epic.
