Netflix announces The Three-Body Problem series from Game of Thrones showrunners

Set to be the pair's first Netflix project, Benioff and Weiss will be adapting the series from Liu Cixin's award-winning novel of the same name, alongside True Blood writer Alexander Woo.

The Three-Body Problem, which is the first novel in Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, takes place in an alternate universe and tells the story of humanity's first contact with an alien civilisation.

All three novels will be adapted for the Netflix series, with Knives Out director Rian Johnson executive producing alongside Brad Pitt's production company Plan B Entertainment, Rosamund Pike's company Primitive Steak and Cixin himself.

"Liu Cixin’s trilogy is the most ambitious science-fiction series we’ve read, taking readers on a journey from the 1960s until the end of time, from life on our pale blue dot to the distant fringes of the universe," Benioff and Weiss said in a statement.

"We look forward to spending the next years of our lives bringing this to life for audiences around the world.”

Fellow writer Woo also added: "It's a privilege to be adapting one of the great masterpieces of Chinese science-fiction. The Three-Body Problem trilogy combines so many things I love: rich, multi-layered characters and true existential stakes – all told as an elegant and deeply human allegory."

"I'm thrilled to kick off my partnership with Netflix with this accomplished creative team."

The Three-Body Problem will be Benioff and Weiss' first drama series since Game of Thrones ended after eight series last year.

Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem is available to order from Amazon. You can also check out the best series on Netflix, best movies on Netflix or visit our TV Guide for what else to watch.