By Ryan Northrup Published 1 day ago
A report reveals the per-episode budget of Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, and the figure beats Bennioff and Weiss’ most expensive Game of Thrones season.
Summary
- 3 Body Problem has a reported per-episode budget of $20 million.
- David Benioff and D.B. Weiss' previous show, Game of Thrones, had its highest per-episode budget with season 8 at $15 million.
- 3 Body Problem represents a risk for Netflix due to the show's price tag and dense science fiction storytelling, but Benioff and Weiss have a proven track when it comes to direct adaptation.
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A new report reveals what the per-episode budget of 3 Body Problem is, and it exceeds the per-episode budget of Game of Thrones season 8. Created by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, 3 Body Problem serves as an adaptation of the novel series of the same name by author Liu Cixin, telling the story of humanity's brush with a mysterious alien force. The show boasts an impressive cast, including Eiza Gonzales and Benedict Wong, as well as Game of Thrones alums like Liam Cunningham, Jonathan Pryce, and John Bradley.
Ahead of 3 Body Problem's release date this spring, The Wall Street Journal (via The Playlist) reports that the show's per-episode budget is about $20 million. At 8 episodes in season 1, this puts the show's total budget in the $160 million range, making it one of the most expensive Netflix original series ever. For comparison, Variety has reported that Game of Thrones season 8, the most expensive season, had a per-episode budget of $15 million.
Benioff and Weiss, however, could be just the pair to pull 3 Body Problem off. While later seasons of Game of Thrones, including the divisive season 8, caught flack from viewers and critics alike as it stretched beyond George R.R. Martin's source material, the show worked exceedingly well while it was able to pull from his novels. Adapting any work is a challenge, especially an epic fantasy or sci-fi adventure. Benioff and Weiss have a proven track record in at least one of these genres.
Benioff and Weiss' 3 Body Problem marks the second major adaptation of Cixin's work. A Chinese series backed by Tencent premiered in January 2023.
If all goes to plan, 3 Body Problem will ideally run for 4 seasons in total, according to Benioff and Weiss. The bar for success, however, is going to be quite high with season 1 costing about $160 million, and season 2 is not yet a sure thing. While it remains to be seen how 3 Body Problem goes over with audiences, the high budget means that Benioff and Weiss' adaptation will hopefully be able to fully capture the epic scale and scope of this sci-fi tale.
Source: The Wall Street Journal (The Playlist)
Cast Saamer Usmani with Shailene Woodley , Jess Hong , Jovan Adepo , Benedict Wong , John Bradley , Eiza González , Liam Cunningham , Sea Shimooka , Tsai Chin Release Date March 21, 2024 Seasons 1 Writers David Benioff , D.B. Weiss , Alexander Woo Directors Minkie Spiro , Derek Tsang Creator(s) David Benioff , D.B. Weiss , Alexander Woo Where To Watch Netflix
