At the 4th Liu Cixin Hometown Sci-Fi Cultural Week in Yangquan, Shanxi, the CEO of The Three-Body Universe, Zhao Jilong, shared exciting updates on the expansion of the beloved sci-fi IP. The company, which holds the exclusive global copyright and operational rights for The Three-Body Problem, revealed progress on multiple fronts, including new series, a highly anticipated film, and ambitious gaming projects.
Expanding the Three-Body Universe
Zhao Jilong emphasized that the literary works are the foundation for the IP’s continued growth. The Three-Body Universe aims to build upon the intellectual depth and established fanbase of the original novels by preserving their core spirit and narrative consistency. Their strategy involves transforming the source material into a diverse range of engaging cultural products – including visual media, audio content, interactive experiences, and immersive environments – to reach a wider audience and ensure the IP’s lasting vitality.
Key Project Updates
Television Series Developments
Several television projects are in the pipeline:
- The derivative series Three-Body: Da Shi is slated to begin filming this year.
- The main creative team for the series Three-Body: Dark Forest has been finalized.
Previously announced details for Three-Body: Dark Forest revealed a cast including Yu Hewei as Shi Qiang, Duan Long (Duan Yihong) as Zhang Beihai, and Lin Yongjian in a special guest role as Chang Weisi. This series is expected to continue the narrative established in the earlier adaptation.
Additionally, Tencent Video’s original production, Three-Body: Da Shi, is being developed by the same core team behind the initial Three-Body series, with Yang Lei directing and Lu Beike as visual director. Yu Hewei and Zhang Ruoyun are set to lead the cast, with Lin Yongjian also making a special appearance. This spin-off series, which received its official broadcast registration in December 2023 for 12 episodes, will delve into events following the “Operation Guzheng.” The synopsis indicates a plot where detective Shi Qiang, battling leukemia, teams up with scientist Wang Miao again to investigate a nanotech material theft. Their investigation uncovers a conspiracy aimed at disrupting human unity, leading to ideological clashes and eventual reconciliation based on mutual trust as they race to avert another crisis.
The Zhang Yimou Film
The cinematic adaptation of The Three-Body Problem, helmed by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, is progressing steadily. The project was officially announced in June 2024 at the Shanghai International Film Festival by Wang Changtian, Chairman of Enlight Media. In a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency in October 2024, Zhang Yimou shared insights into the film’s development.
Zhang Yimou revealed that pre-production involves not only script refinement but also the formation of an AI team comprising over ten elite members born in the 1990s. This team will leverage cutting-edge domestic technology and innovative concepts for the creative process. For instance, AI will be utilized to analyze designs from thousands of previous sci-fi films and games to inform the visual representation of alien spacecraft.
“The biggest challenge in filming The Three-Body Problem is to make a good movie. Finding the right entry point is crucial. It still needs to be about the characters and integrate Chinese culture and sci-fi values. I don’t intend to make three films; I only plan to make one. The key is to adjust my mindset, read extensively, and continuously learn and improve,” Zhang Yimou stated.
Gaming Initiatives
On the gaming front, The Three-Body Universe is not only collaborating with established game developers on existing titles but is also actively developing new, large-scale, high-quality gaming projects based on the Three-Body IP, aiming to offer immersive and interactive experiences for a broader audience.
