Former President Barack Obama recently made headlines when he turned down a cameo in the new sci-fi series, 3 Body Problem, created by the masterminds behind Game of Thrones. Despite being approached by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Obama declined the offer, jokingly stating that he is holding out for a real alien invasion. In an attempt to soften the blow, Obama penned a humorous note emphasizing his desire to save himself for a crisis of that magnitude. This decision left fans of both Obama and the show disappointed but amused.
It is no secret that Barack Obama is a fan of the source material, the Liu Cixin novel The Three-Body Problem. In 2017, he spoke about how the sci-fi book helped him find solace during his time as President of the United States. The idea of aliens potentially invading Earth put his day-to-day problems into perspective, reminding him that there are much bigger threats looming in the universe. This connection to the novel made the opportunity to cameo in the series even more appealing to Obama, despite his ultimate decision to decline.
Barack Obama’s interest in aliens and science fiction is not a new development. In the past, he has made inquiries about the existence of secret alien labs and even joked about having access to pre-release screeners of Game of Thrones during his time in office. This intersection of politics, entertainment, and the unknown has endeared Obama to many, showcasing his approachable and lighthearted nature outside of the political sphere.
3 Body Problem is set to premiere on Netflix on March 21 as part of a larger production deal worth $200 million between Benioff, Weiss, and the streaming platform. Alongside this series, the duo is also working on Death by Lightning, a drama centered around the 20th US president, James Garfield, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. In a curious twist of fate, Barack and Michelle Obama are involved in the entertainment industry as well, having produced the apocalyptic film Leave the World Behind starring Julia Roberts. This alignment of interests and connections highlights the intricate web of relationships that can form between public figures and the world of pop culture.
Overall, Barack Obama’s decision to pass on a cameo in 3 Body Problem may have disappointed some fans, but it also provided insight into his personality and interests beyond the political sphere. His love for science fiction, aliens, and entertainment continues to captivate audiences, showcasing a different side of the former President that many may not have seen before.
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