FOLLOWING the release of the TV adaptation of Liu Cixin’s “The Three-Body Problem,” which won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, plans have been unveiled to produce a drama series based on another one of his captivating works, “Ball Lightning.” The upcoming adaptation of “Ball Lightning” will premiere on iQIYI, one of China’s major online streaming platforms, as part of their drama lineup scheduled for release or production between 2023 and 2024, according to the streaming platform, which is also a co-producer of the drama. The sci-fi novel, first published in 2005, chronicles the life of Chen, a young man whose parents are killed during a mysterious ball lightning event. The tragedy propels Chen on a quest to understand and control the enigmatic phenomenon, leading him to become a physicist and dedicate his life to studying ball lightning. The novel delves into themes of science, technology and their potential impact on human society, earning praise for its imaginative and thought-provoking ideas and captivating storytelling. “Ball Lightning” has received generally positive reception from readers and critics alike. While not as widely known as Liu’s “The Three-Body Problem” trilogy, it still garnered attention and praise for its unique take on the phenomenon of ball lightning and its incorporation into the narrative. The novel has a 9 out of 10 score on popular Chinese review site Douban. The English version of the book, translated by Joel Martinsen, was published in the U.S. in 2018. The announcement of the “Ball Lightning” drama series has sparked excitement among fans. With the success of “The Three-Body Problem” TV series, expectations are high for another visually stunning and intellectually stimulating TV experience. The Tencent TV adaptation of “The Three-Body Problem” earned a remarkable rating of 8.7 out of 10 on Douban, solidifying the widespread interest in adaptations of Liu’s sci-fi works within China’s online community. Additionally, the movie adaptation of Liu’s “The Wandering Earth” became a blockbuster hit in 2019, ranking as the fifth-highest grossing film ever in China’s box office. (Xinhua) | 