It looks like Netflix is eager to continue its collaboration with former U.S. President Barack Obama. After working as the executive producer, alongside his wife, Michelle Obama, on the 2023 hit movie Leave the World Behind, the Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss tried their luck to have Barack appear in the new sci-fi series 3 Body Problem. Sadly, Barack refused, and it was for a hilarious reason.
In an interview with USA Today, Benioff and Weiss revealed that Barack turned their request down with a humorous style that instead of being upset, they found it funny. The writers know that the first African-American president of U.S. history is an avid fan of Liu Cixin’s Hugo Award-winning The Three-Body Problem. Hence, they tried to secure the epic cameo when they adapted it into a Netflix TV series called 3 Body Problem.
“He did sign a very funny note, though, when we tried to get him for a cameo,” Benioff said. “It was to the effect of, 'In case there ever is a real alien invasion, I think I should probably save myself for that crisis.”
Weiss chimed in and revealed what probably made Barack decline their request. Knowing the series is about alien invasion, he added, “He wants to keep his powder dry in case there's a real thing.”
In a 2017 interview with The New York Times, Barack expressed his deep appreciation for the novel trilogy, describing it as a “wildly imaginative” and “truly interesting” story. He even admitted to using it as a form of escapism from the pressures of his political career, finding solace in the fact that his day-to-day problems with Congress paled in comparison to the impending alien invasion.
The scope of it was immense. So that was fun to read. Partly because my day-to-day problems with Congress seem fairly petty — not something to worry about. Aliens are about to invade!
Anyhow, despite being a big fan of Game of Thrones, receiving advance screening of the hit HBO series when he was still the president, Weiss joked that Barack hadn’t requested an early screening of 3 Body Problem. Barack hadn’t reached out to them yet.
“He doesn't text, he doesn't call,” Weiss quipped.
What is 3 Body Problem about?
3 Body Problem begins in 1960s China when a young woman makes an important decision that resonates across space and time, even to the present day. A group of brilliant scientists have to work together with the help of a brave detective to stop humanity’s greatest threat as the laws of nature are waiting to unfold.
You can read the synopsis below:
The story begins in 1960s China when a young woman makes a fateful decision that reverberates across space and time into the present day. When the laws of nature inexplicably unravel, a tight-knit group of brilliant scientists must join forces with an unflinching detective to stop humanity’s greatest threat. 3 Body Problem is an epic story that redefines sci-fi drama with its layered mysteries and story of human connection.
What are the release date and times of 3 Body Problem?
3 Body Problem is scheduled to release on Netflix on Thursday, March 21, at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. You can check the list below for other release times based on your region:
12:AM Pacific Time
3:00 AM Eastern Time
3:00 AM (Toronto), 12:00 AM (Vancouver) Canadian Time
4:00 AM Brasilia Time
8:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time
9:00 AM Central European Time
10:00 AM Eastern European Time
3:00 PM (Perth), 5:00 PM (Sydney) Australian Time
7:00 PM Coordinated Universal Time
2:00 PM (Jakarta), 12:30 PM (New Delhi) Indian Time
3:00 PM Philippine Standard Time
3:00 PM Hong Kong Time
3:00 PM Singapore Standard Time
4:00 PM Japan Standard Time
9:00 AM Central Africa Time
Barack has been very selective of his appearances, making his 3 Body Problem cameo a huge shoot for the moon. However, it can’t be denied that Benioff and Weiss still tried their best, deserving all the praise.
