Netflix’s highly anticipated science fiction series “The 3 Body Problem” has a dark and twisted story behind its production. The series, based on the renowned Chinese novel of the same name, has a history marred by ambition, disappointment, and ultimately, murder.
The Acquisition of a Valuable IP
Chinese billionaire Lin Qi, founder of YooZoo Games, set his sights on acquiring the rights to “The 3 Body Problem,” considered by some to be the most valuable entertainment IP ever produced in China. With the help of Xu Yao, a lawyer at YooZoo Games known for his legal expertise, Lin Qi acquired the rights for a surprisingly low price of 10 million Chinese Yuan (roughly $1.4 million).
Grand Ambitions and Disappointing Results
Lin Qi and Xu Yao envisioned a Marvel-esque media universe built around “The 3 Body Problem,” hoping to bolster credibility and interest in Chinese science fiction. Xu Yao was made CEO of 3 Body Problem Universe, a YooZoo subsidiary tasked with securing partnerships and distributing the story.
However, over the course of five years, 3 Body Problem Universe burned through nearly $100 million with little to show for it. The lackluster results led to Xu Yao being demoted and his salary cut from $3 million to less than $1 million annually.
A Plot Inspired by “Breaking Bad”
Xu Yao, a massive fan of the television series “Breaking Bad,” decided to exact revenge for his demotion. He set up a poison manufacturing and testing facility in Shanghai, acquiring over 100 different poisons through the dark web.
After testing the poisons on animals and refining his concoction, Xu Yao tricked Lin Qi’s secretary into administering poisoned probiotic pills. Lin Qi consumed one of the pills and was rushed to the hospital, where it was discovered he had at least five different fatal toxins in his system. Despite efforts to save him, Lin Qi passed away on December 25, 2020.
A Modern-Day Super Villain
Chinese authorities apprehended Xu Yao and convicted him of murder, sentencing him to death for his premeditated plot to poison not only Lin Qi but multiple other YooZoo Games employees. The sophistication of his scheme, involving dozens of cell phones and a hidden poison manufacturing facility, painted Xu Yao as a modern-day super villain.
The story behind “The 3 Body Problem” is a cautionary tale of ambition, disappointment, and the lengths some will go to for revenge. As the series gains international attention, the dark history surrounding its production serves as a stark reminder of the real-life drama that can unfold behind the scenes.
