John Bradley Reflects on Challenges of Bringing Death Scene from “3 Body Problem” to Screen
Before John Bradley was cast as the brash yet lovable Jack Rooney in David Benioff, Dan Weiss and Alexander Woo’s 3 Body Problem, the actor felt restricted in the roles offered to him after his portrayal of Samwell Tarly in Benioff and Weiss’ Game of Thrones.
“I think that they realized halfway through Game of Thrones that I was nothing like that character,” Bradley tells THR. “Dan Weiss said I was so different from the characters I was playing, and I think they noticed I was being typecast too easily. They recognized that I had more to offer and gave me the opportunity to showcase a different side of myself through the character of Jack. I was honored by the portrayal of Jack, someone comfortable, confident, and content with his place in the world. I was glad to reveal that aspect of myself to the world.”
Benioff and Weiss specifically wrote the character of Rooney for Bradley without revealing much about the series, just that it was a sci-fi project. Bradley immediately accepted the role upon learning about the showrunners’ vision. He familiarized himself with the Chinese novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, the basis for the series.
Bradley acknowledges the challenge of adapting the source material, comparing it to the complexity of Game of Thrones. He commends Benioff and Weiss for their courage and bravery in taking on such a daunting project.
Rooney, a member of the Oxford Five group of scientists, meets a violent end in episode three of the series. Bradley initially felt a sense of disappointment but later realized it was a nod to the shocking deaths in Game of Thrones. He embraced the unexpected twist, knowing it would evoke strong emotional reactions from the audience.
Ed Miller/Netflix
The scene depicting Rooney’s murder was a composite of three separate takes filmed over nine months. Bradley reflects on the vulnerability and fear displayed by his character in that moment, emphasizing the emotional depth of the scene.
Interestingly, the death scene was not the most challenging for Bradley to film. He highlights a scene with Will discussing his illness as the one he was most determined to get right, as it provided insight into the depth of their relationship.
Bradley hopes his role in 3 Body Problem will showcase his versatility as an actor, allowing him to explore more confident characters in the future.
His dream collaborator is Emerald Fennell, known for her unconventional and bold filmmaking style. Bradley admires her unique vision and hopes to work with her on a project that challenges both of them creatively.
This story first appeared in a May standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.