Netflix’s new mind-bending sci-fi series 3 Body Problem will give you virtual reality nightmares

3 Body Problem debuts on Netflix in March 2024

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Netflix has released the first clip for its new mind-bending TV show3 Body Problem, and it might make you reconsider buying a virtual reality (VR) headset.

Based on the Liu Cixin’s critically-acclaimed sci-fi novelThe Three Body Problem, the forthcomingNetflixseries looks like it’ll be the next must-see TV show to debut on the world’sbest streaming service. And, after its first teaser trailer was unveiled atNetflix Tudum 2023, it’s high time we learned more about it ahead of its launch in early 2024.

Before we dive into what it’s about and who’s involved in its production, you’ll want to watch3 Body Problem’s first official clip. Be warned, though: if you’re thinking about purchasing a VR headset during this year’sBlack Friday sales, you might be put off by what you see.

Yeah, we don’t want to experiment with VR if there’s a chance that its sentient programming – or, rather, a real-life warrior with an apparent ax to grind – unexpectedly comes at us, blade drawn, with the view to murdering us. You can keep your MetaOculus(which gets name-dropped in the teaser) andQuest Proheadsets, as well as yourApple Vision Protechnology, even if they aren’t as futuristic or deadly as3 Body Problem’s surreal-looking VR device is.

Okay, so what’s3 Body Problemabout? For the uninitiated, Netflix has provided some details about its mind-boggling, reality-altering, and time-traveling plot. The show’s logline reads as follows: “A young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time into the present day. When the laws of nature inexplicably unravel before their eyes, a close-knit group of brilliant scientists join forces with an unflinching detective to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.”

There is more to this world than meets the eye. 3 BODY PROBLEM, a genre-bending mystery series based on the internationally best selling book series, is coming to Netflix in 2024. #GeekedWeek pic.twitter.com/AGUChBbSkLNovember 10, 2023

3 Body Problemis the latest TV project from David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Here, theGame of Thronesshowrunners have traded bloody fantasy for mind-bending sci-fi with their new Netflix showso, regardless of what you thought ofGame of Thrones' divisive ending, this new series has some serious creative clout behind it.

As for its cast, the clip above confirms we’ll seeGame of Thronesalumnus John Bradley playing a character we believe to be a scientist called John Rooney. He’s joined on the show’s stacked roster by fellowThronesstars Liam Cunningham and Jonathan Pryce. Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange 2), Jovan Adepo (Jack Ryan), Rosalind Chao (The O.C), Eiza Gonzalez (Godzilla vs Kong), Saamer Usmani (Succession), and Jess Hong (Inked) are also part of the cast.

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Joining Weiss and Benioff on the development team is co-writer and fellow executive producer Alexander Woo (True Blood). There are a couple of big-name actors who are also part of3 Body Problem’s executive producing team, including none other than Brad Pitt and Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time). Rian Johnson (Star Wars: The Last Jedi,Knives Out) is among its producers, too.

Of course, we won’t know if3 Body Problemwill be as successful as Netflix hopes until it’s released. We’re hopeful it’ll become a member of ourbest Netflix showslist early next year, but there are no guarantees, especially if TV aficionados still feel burned by Weiss and Benioff’s handling ofGame of Thrones' final season. Until then, the jury is out – but3 Body Problemlooks like it’ll be a wild ride.

Initially set to debut in January 2024,3 Body Problemwill now launch on Netflix on March 21, 2024.

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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

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