Netflix’s recently released web series ‘ 3 Body Problem‘ has been received quite well by the viewers. With a rather unconventional lore behind its production rights, the show based on the novels by Liu Cixin was an instant hit. Taking its game one step ahead, the show is getting a Chinese film adaptation, directed by the revered Zhang Yimou.
Yimou is China’s most esteemed living filmmaker, and the Chinese audiences are perhaps quite thrilled for the franchise to hit the big screens. The announcement was made during a forum at the Shanghai International Film Festival on Sunday. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming film.
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Chinese Audience Excited About Zhang Yimou’s Film Version Of ‘Three-Body Problem’
The chairman of Beijing Enlight Media, Wang Changtian, on Sunday confirmed that his studio is in the early stages of developing the film adaptation of ‘Three-Body Problem,‘ as reported by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
Director Zhang Yimou’s involvement in adapting Cixin Liu’s beloved sci-fi saga has sent Chinese social media into a frenzy, with fans expressing excitement about the new prospects. ‘The Three-Body Problem’ is the first book in Liu’s ‘Remembrance of Earth’s Past‘ trilogy. It has so far seen several adaptations with varying success.
Though a previous Chinese-language film adaptation of the book was under work by Fanfan Zhang, it was never completed. However, a Chinese TV adaptation by Tencent, titled Three-Body’, aired in 2023 and streamed on Peacock earlier this year.
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Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’ Is A Success Story Marred With Controversies
In the Western media also, Netflix’s adaptation of the book retitled ‘3 Body Problem’ has received tremendous response. The show was overseen by Alexander Woo and ‘Game of Thrones’ showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
Netflix has renewed the show for a second and third season to fully cover the trilogy’s story. The Netflix version has received mixed reactions in China, where some criticized it for its diverse, predominantly non-Chinese cast. The state media has also labeled the show as “American cultural hegemony.” However, many Chinese viewers also appreciated its scale and faithfulness to the novels’ spirit.
Besides, the ‘Three-Body Problem’ media property has also been marred by scandal. In 2020, a disgruntled employee murdered Lin Qi, Yoozoo’s founder and CEO, who had driven many of the book’s screen adaptations, including Netflix’s version. Amidst these controversies, Zhang Yimou’s involvement is seen as a stabilizing force, with viewers hoping to see some commendable results.
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