'Three-Body Day' marks sci-fi classic's first 20 years, unveils ambitious plans

China's preeminent sci-fi writer Liu Cixin, director Zhang Yimou and many other heavyweights of the sci-fi, film, TV and related fields joined fans of "The Three-Body Problem" to celebrate the sci-fi IP's 20th anniversary. Those in attendance also witnessed announcements of the franchise's future.

(From left to right) Zhao Jilong, CEO of Three-Body Universe; sci-fi writer Liu Cixin; filmmaker Zhang Yimou; and Wang Changtian, chairman of Beijing Enlight Media, pose for a photo on stage at the Three-Body 20th Anniversary Festival in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Three-Body Universe]

First serialized in Science Fiction World in 2006, it is now the most successful Chinese sci-fi novel trilogy ever, having sold over 40 million copies in the Chinese mainland, with more than 400 reprints, 45 language translations, and roughly 7.3 million copies sold overseas since its 2014 English debut. It has won the Hugo Award and more than 10 other international sci-fi prizes. It has also spawned extensive multimedia adaptations, from film and TV, all the way to video games, merchandise and immersive experiences.

The 2026 Three-Body Day and 20th Anniversary Festival, organized by Three-Body Universe, the global copyright holder and operator of the "Three-Body" IP, was held at the 798 Art District in Beijing from Oct. 24 to 25. More than 30 guests from the fields of sci-fi, film and television, scientific research, AI, location-based entertainment and aerospace, as well as fans, attended.

A highlight of the event was the surprise appearance of Zhang Yimou, who is working on a film adaptation. Zhang joined Liu on stage and said he was amazed by the fan turnout, thanked Liu for his trust, called the novel a great sci-fi work and said he was privileged to make a film adaptation. Liu said Zhang's previous films share a vast, rugged quality, which is highly compatible with the spirit of science fiction. He hopes Zhang can give new life to the Three-Body world through cinema.

Veteran screenwriter Chen Yu, known for Zhang's "Under the Light" and "Full River Red," is still working on the script for the film. It is to be co-produced by Beijing Enlight Media and Three-Body Universe.

TV projects are also in the pipeline. Producer Bai Yicong revealed that "Three-Body: The Dark Forest," the sequel to the acclaimed 2023 series, is about to begin production. Zhao Jilong, CEO of Three-Body Universe, announced that a new series, "Sophon," will center on the classic character, with two acclaimed film directors, Lu Yang ("A Writer's Odyssey" and "Brotherhood of Blades") as the producer and Xin Yukun ("The Coffin in the Mountain" and "Wrath of Silence") as the director. Director Yang Lei and visual director Lu Beike shared updates on the series "Da Shi," which will bring back the cast of the 2023 series, with production expected to start within the year.

Liu Cixin signs a copy of "The Three-Body Problem" for a fan at the Three-Body 20th Anniversary Festival in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Three-Body Universe]

Three-Body Universe is also extending its reach to more sci-fi works. Zhao said another Liu Cixin novel, "Supernova Era," will enter project preparation. The event also debuted the concept poster for "Defending Nanshan Park," based on Tianrui Shuofu's novel. It unveiled the first full collaboration between Three-Body Universe and Yuewen, covering animation, live-action films and TV series, and merchandise.

Beyond film and TV, Three-Body Universe links the IP with more industries and cutting-edge technologies, pairing content with sector-specific professional capabilities to cooperate on the scenarios relating to science communication, intelligent interaction, content co-creation and immersive experiences. This year's Three-Body Day centered on "extraterrestrial civilizations," "intelligent civilizations" and "Earth civilization." Cross-industry roundtables and partnership announcements explored aerospace, AI and location-based entertainment opportunities.

The 2026 Three-Body Day event also announced the "Sophon Agent 1.0" AI dialogue agent, developed with Infinigence AI, a leading AI infrastructure service provider. It is now positioned as a "Three-Body worldview expert" based on the classic character Sophon. It was designed to let fans revisit the story and explore details through conversation. The Three-Body Universe has also launched a global 3D interstellar warship co-creation plan with Tripo, the AI 3D generation platform developed by VAST.

A new "Three-Body" sci-fi VR immersive experience center will also open in Tianjin by the end of 2026, featuring two VR works, as well as themed retail. The event, crowded with fans and cosplayers, also included an interactive zone, a VR experience area, a publishing exhibition, a universe marketplace, book signings by Liu Cixin and comic artist Wu Qingsong, and a closing performance by virtual idol Luo Tianyi.

Fans gather to celebrate the 20-year milestone of "The Three-Body Problem" during an event at the Three-Body 20th Anniversary Festival in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Three-Body Universe]

Launched by Three-Body Universe in 2025 with Liu as initiator, Three-Body Day connects creators, universities, industry partners and fans worldwide. Its first edition broadcast young people's reflections on humanity's future and cosmic civilization. These ran through university radio stations and satellites to more than 10 countries in four continents. This year is the first time the gathering was held in person. The company pledged to keep working with creators and partners to advance content iteration and cross-media development, whilst expanding the long-term value of the Three-Body IP.