Netflix’s Top 10: 3 Body Problem and Heart of the Hunter Reign Supreme
Netflix viewers this week craved mind-bending sci-fi with “3 Body Problem,” a story about first contact with aliens, and action-packed thrills with “Heart of the Hunter,” a South African assassin movie. These diverse hits prove Netflix offers something for everyone, and with new seasons and releases on the horizon, the streaming giant keeps viewers entertained week after week.
3 Body Problem and Heart of the Hunter
3 Body Problem:
This sci-fi epic, created by the successful duo David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (known for bringing “Game of Thrones” to the screen), debuted at No. 2 on Netflix’s English-language TV chart. Adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel, the story follows astrophysicist Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao) during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. With 15.6 million views, “3 Body Problem” resonated with viewers, sparking discussions about a potential Season 2.
Zuko Khumalo (portrayed by Bonko Khoza) is now a family man, living with his girlfriend Malime (played by Masasa Mbangeni), and her young son, Paka. But Zuko’s past as a deadly assassin resurfaces when his old friend and mentor, Johnny Klein (played by Peter Butler), reappears. Johnny, now considered a terrorist by the government, reveals a dangerous conspiracy involving corrupt politicians in South Africa.
Johnny tasks Zuko with a mission: venture across the country to uncover dirt on major politicians, including presidential candidate Daza Mtima (portrayed by Sisanda Henna). The stakes are high—the political conspiracy threatens to destabilize South Africa’s entire chain of command. But Johnny is too much of a target to take down the corrupt politicians himself, so it’s up to Zuko.
As Zuko navigates this intense cat-and-mouse game, the government, led by fierce PIA director Mo (played by Connie Ferguson), closely monitors his every move. Will Zuko make it home to Malime unscathed and finally put that ring he’s been carrying around to good use? Or will the agents tracking him, like Mo’s lethal sidekick Tiger (portrayed by Tim Theron), end him once and for all? The hunt for justice and truth unfolds in a post-democratic South Africa, filled with chaos and intrigue.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Not available yet (originally estimated as October 2023) |
| Cast | Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, John Bradley, Saamer Usmani, Shailene Woodley, Eiza Gonzalez, Liam Cunningham, Alex Sharp, Jess Hong (and more to be confirmed) |
| Main Genre | Sci-Fi |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Streaming Service | Netflix |
| Showrunners | David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Alexander Woo |
Heart of the Hunter:
“Heart of the Hunter” claimed the top spot in English-language movies. This gripping film directed by Mandla Dube, centers around retired assassin Zuko Khumalo (Bonko Khoza). When his friend uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the South African government, Zuko is forced back into action. The movie garnered 11 million views, surpassing other contenders like “Irish Wish” and “Damsel”.
The story unfolds as Earth encounters an alien civilization from a nearby system of three sun-like stars orbiting one another. This alien species, known as the Trisolarans, faces a dire predicament: their home system experiences chaotic gravitational fluctuations due to the three suns’ interactions. This instability threatens their survival.
The Trisolarans set their sights on Earth as a potential new home, leading to humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial beings.
The novel turns unexpectedly by centring on a wildly immersive VR video game. This game becomes a crucial link to understanding the Trisolarans and their intentions. As the world’s leading scientists mysteriously die, the game’s secrets become intertwined with the fate of humanity. A young woman’s decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time, connecting her to the unfolding events.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Likely already been released on Netflix (information about the release date unavailable) |
| Genre | Action Thriller |
| Cast | Bonko Khoza (Zuko Khumalo), with additional cast to be confirmed |
| Director | Mandla Dube |
| Producer | Information not available |
| Writer | Information not available |
| Watch Time | Run time unknown (typical action thrillers are around 1.5-2 hours) |
What’s next for Netflix?
As summer approaches, anticipation builds for the return of “Bridgerton” (Season 3 debuts on May 16). While “3 Body Problem” awaits renewal, the cast and crew are already contemplating Season 2. Netflix continues to invest in content that resonates with viewers, ensuring a thrilling lineup for the coming months.
You can catch both “3 Body Problem” and “Heart of the Hunter” on Netflix right now. Sci-fi enthusiasts and mystery lovers won’t be disappointed!
