Former President Barack Obama turned down a cameo opportunity in the hotly anticipated sci-fi series “Three Body Problem,” but his refusal came with a characteristically witty response. According to the show’s executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Obama light-heartedly noted he should “save himself” in case a real alien invasion ever occurs.
The eight-episode Netflix series, adapted from the acclaimed novels by Liu Cixin, revolves around a brilliant group of scientists who encounter a terrifying alien civilization with designs on Earth. Despite being an avowed fan of the source material, Obama politely declined a cameo with a humorous written note.
“(Obama) did sign a very funny note though, when we tried to get him for a cameo,” Benioff told USA Today, paraphrasing the message. “It was to the effect of, ‘In case there ever is a real alien invasion, I think I should probably save myself for that crisis.'”
“He wants to keep his powder dry in case there’s a real thing,” Weiss added with a laugh.
Obama had revealed his affinity for Liu’s imaginative “Three Body” novels while still in office back in 2017, telling The New York Times the “immense” saga offered an engaging sci-fi escape from presidential pressures. “My day-to-day problems with Congress seem fairly petty — not something to worry about. Aliens are about to invade!” he quipped at the time.
The former president has long expressed interests at the crossroads of politics, science, and the hypothetical. In 2021, he disclosed asking about any secret government alien labs upon first taking office, though he was assured none existed.
Obama’s ties to “Three Body Problem” run deeper than just the source material. He was an outspoken fan of Benioff and Weiss’ previous hit “Game of Thrones,” even receiving advance screeners during his presidency. However, the showrunners joke Obama hasn’t requested the same perk for their new sci-fi epic.
While viewers won’t see Obama make a cameo appearance, they can still expect an ensemble cast including “Game of Thrones” alumni like John Bradley and Liam Cunningham. “Three Body Problem” gets its world premiere at SXSW on March 17 before hitting Netflix on March 24.
As for Obama, he seems content to stay prepared for any actual alien threats – a standing request for a TV cameo likely wouldn’t deter an invasion of extraterrestrial conquerors. For now, he’ll remain off-screen but vigilant, as befits a former world leader.
