{"id":48251,"date":"2024-03-21T22:00:57","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T21:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2011128"},"modified":"2024-03-21T22:41:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T21:41:23","slug":"7-major-3-body-problem-changes-between-netflix-series-and-the-original-novels","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/7-major-3-body-problem-changes-between-netflix-series-and-the-original-novels\/","title":{"rendered":"7 major 3 Body Problem changes between Netflix series and the original novels"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are some huge changes from Cixin Liu’s books to the Netflix adaptation. <\/p>

By Louise Griffin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 21 March 2024 at 21:00 PM<\/p>

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*Warning: Full spoilers ahead for Netflix\u2019s 3 Body Problem and the book series.*<\/strong><\/p>\n

As 3 Body Problem<\/a>, the epic sci-fi adaptation from Game of Thrones<\/a> creators David Benioff and DB Weiss<\/a> and writer Alexander Woo, hits Netflix<\/a>, fans of the original novels will notice that plenty has been changed.<\/p>\n

The book series<\/a>, written by Chinese novelist Cixin Liu, has already become a staple of science fiction \u2013 but there\u2019s no doubt it\u2019s a very dense read.<\/p>\n

Of course, that makes it epic \u2013 the world-building is unmatched and once you\u2019re in, you\u2019re in. But it\u2019s not exactly a natural fit for a straight adaptation on screen.<\/p>\n

The creators have made some bold choices in adapting the novel, from changing characters<\/a> to bringing in threads from later books much earlier and making the Netflix show more international than anyone expected. As for how it\u2019s paid off, fans will have to decide, but so far, reviews<\/a> are looking good.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s 10 of the biggest changes made from Cixin Liu\u2019s iconic novels.<\/p>\n

7 major 3 Body Problem changes between Netflix series and the original novels<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Taking the story outside of China<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The novel Three Body Problem takes place almost entirely in China, whereas the series has been made much more international.<\/p>\n

Of course, China as a setting is essential to the story, from the tragedy that starts Ye Wenjie\u2019s (Rosalind Chao) story, to the mysterious Red Coast Project and its consequences across the world.<\/p>\n

\"Zine\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Zine Tseng as Young Ye Wenjie in 3 Body Problem.<\/span><\/figcaption> Netflix<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, the series is not only set in China \u2013 it\u2019s split between 1960s China, and present-day London and New York (we don\u2019t actually visit modern-day China at all).<\/p>\n

Speaking about this change, director Derek Tsang told SFX: \u201cIt\u2019s a credit to their adaptation that they\u2019re keeping the essence of the novel by making it even more international and on a more global scale.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThat is the right approach, because this is an existential book. It\u2019s a cosmic story, so it makes every sense to involve as many people with different backgrounds and different ethnicities in the story.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

2. The Oxford Five<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speaking of a more international look, our international cast of leading characters are completely new to the series (although some of them can be directly compared to characters in the book).<\/p>\n

The Oxford Five are a close-knit group of scientists who met while studying at university. They are:<\/p>\n