March 19, 2024, 12:15 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Netflix is known for launching elaborate original productions. The most expensive series debut to date can now be seen on the streaming service starting March 21.
The streaming services have been locked in fierce competition for years. Besides the subscription price, one thing is especially important: exclusive content. While some blockbusters can be seen on multiple platforms, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and others have long been producing their own films and series, available only on their platforms. They are willing to spend a lot on this, as a new example from Netflix shows. We’re talking about “3 Body Problem.”
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How Expensive Is the Series “3 Body Problem”
The sci-fi series premieres on March 21 on Netflix. Behind the mega-project are none other than David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The two Americans were already primarily responsible for the most successful series of the past decade, if not of all time: “Game of Thrones.” For the HBO project, the duo received several Emmys. Netflix surely hopes for a success with them and “3 Body Problem”–even if not quite as big.
And the streaming service is willing to spend a lot on it. The project reportedly cost a whopping 200 million U.S. dollars (USD). With eight episodes in the first season, the production costs average 25 million USD per episode. This not only dethrones the previously most expensive Netflix series; “One Piece” held that title (not for long) with total costs of 144 million USD. “3 Body Problem” also ranks quite high on the list of the most expensive series of all time.
While “Stranger Things” also plays in these leagues; Netflix spent 270 million USD for the nine episodes of season four. However, one must consider the context. “3 Body Problem” is just starting with its first season. “Stranger Things” has already proven itself many times over. For comparison: the first season of “Stranger Things” cost Netflix an average of “only” six million USD per episode. Even when accounting for the generally increased production costs since 2015, this jump is enormous. Additionally, the individual episodes of the extremely expensive fourth season of “Stranger Things” are up to 90 minutes long, thus longer than the planned 45 to 60 minutes of “3 Body Problem.”
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What “3 Body Problem” Is About on Netflix
And not just because of the enormous budget and prominent showrunners, many are eagerly watching “3 Body Problem.” The series is also based on a highly successful book series, the “Three-Body” trilogy by Cixin Liu. The title “Trisolaris” refers to the eponymous alien life form that humanity will surely encounter in the Netflix series. The species needs a new home because their own planet is no longer habitable due to the three suns surrounding it–a setting not uncommon for the genre.
What’s special in this case: The researcher Ye Wenjie learns of the aliens’ invasion plans 400 years before their arrival. Subsequently, an influential entrepreneur establishes an organization to prepare Earth for the impending invasion. But can such a project succeed over several centuries?
While actors like Jonathan Pryce (including “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Crown”), Benedict Wong (including “Doctor Strange,” “Marco Polo,” “Gemini Man”), and Liam Cunningham (including “Game of Thrones,” “Outcasts,” “Clash of the Titans”) are involved, the cast is relatively unknown in the U.S. and Germany. This is a difference from other expensive Netflix productions, which increased the cost of these projects. In “3 Body Problem,” these star salaries are likely absent, so the budget probably went mostly into the production itself.
High Expectations for Sci-Fi Series
In general, a gigantic budget is, of course, no guarantee of success. “Citadel” cost about 250 million USD, but its success was limited; nevertheless, Amazon is continuing the series. And Netflix’s most expensive film to date, “The Gray Man,” also cost 200 million USD but was a considerable flop for the streaming service. So, there is likely significant pressure on “3 Body Problem,” especially since the streaming giant’s other current sci-fi project met with little enthusiasm: “Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire.” The film by Zack Snyder received mediocre reviews and also failed to make it into the Top 10 most-streamed Netflix films–for 170 million USD, the provider probably expected more.
The first reviews of “3 Body Problem” have been mixed to positive. So far, 33 reviews yield an average score of 73 percent, which is quite positive. However, some express significant criticism, especially regarding the depth of the plot, even compared to the original. This is not necessarily an indicator of how the series will be received by the audience. Especially with such large productions, critics’ and viewers’ opinions often diverge somewhat.
The pressure of expectations from the streaming service is certainly enormous. After all, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are expected to deliver other major projects for Netflix as part of their 200 million USD deal. A similar deal with Ryan Murphy has already led to success with series like “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “Ratched,” and “The Watcher.”