Her performance as Jin Cheng, the brilliant and unyielding scientist in Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, has fans captivated. But who is Jess Hong, and what makes her tick? Let’s look into the background of this rising star and explore the thrilling future of this sci-fi epic.
The Kiwi Beginnings: Battling Anxiety and Finding Her Voice
Born and raised in New Zealand, Jess Hong had a childhood marked by social anxieties. Yet, inside the drama classroom, she found her voice. “As soon as we were allowed to write our own monologues, I got really into it,” she recalls, “I could pour myself into my characters.” This passion for emotional connection fueled her through drama school and landed her an agent.
Life was a series of theater tours and part-time jobs when Hong got the call that would change everything. Chosen for the lead role in 3 Body Problem, she was propelled into a whirlwind international adventure. Based on the acclaimed sci-fi novels by Cixin Liu, this ambitious series brought her face-to-face with the former Game of Thrones masterminds, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
“It didn’t really click that it was David Benioff until we had [a] Zoom meeting,” Hong reveals. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m meeting them. But it’s them. What the f**k.'”
From New Zealand Stage to London Soundstage
In Netflix’s adaptation, Hong portrays the fierce and brilliant physicist Jin Cheng. Originally a Chinese character, the role was rewritten to embrace Hong’s Kiwi background – a sign the creators prioritized authenticity over star power. “They don’t need to do the whole star system thing to get people interested in the show,” says Hong, “…which means they can cast someone from New Zealand who’s mostly done theater work.”
Read more: Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’: A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Epic That Divides Opinion
Hong’s earnestness shines through as she recounts her surprise when the role was rewritten to embrace her New Zealand background. “I’ve learned the creators prefer to have the essence of the actors in the show and that they have total creative reign to do so. I also say ‘buddy’ a lot, and they worked that into the script too,” she adds with a touch of humor.
Her introduction to the series was the massive VR set. “Our job’s really f**king weird,” she joked with co-star and Game of Thrones alum John Bradley. Despite the initial challenges, strong bonds formed with other members of the “Oxford Five,” creating a much-needed support system away from home.
Solving the Big Questions, On and Off Screen
Like her character Jin, Hong is driven by a deep sense of idealism. “I believe the reason…she believes the world can be a better place…is that she believes the world can be a better place on the other side,” Hong says, “‘If we just solve all the riddles of the universe, then the world will be better for everyone in it,’ including her friends and herself.”
This fight for a better future resonates, reminding Hong of her personal struggles. “I never want to give up on giving every single person the benefit of the doubt in this world that is so suspicious and divided,” she says, “And I don’t want other people to give up, either.”
The Future of 3 Body Problem and a Star on the Rise
3 Body Problem takes a deliberate pace, prioritizing character development over visual spectacle. “I just hope that, in this world of hype culture, something like this…character-driven story, is still enough to hold audiences,” says Hong. With a complex plot and creators hinting at more seasons, the show’s success could secure Hong even more groundbreaking roles.
Behind the scenes, there’s more to Hong than meets the eye. Her theater background is evident in her work— she starred in a 2022 play tackling weighty topics like representation, and even boasts stunt training experience. And, when she’s not facing aliens on screen? She’s just Jess, with a deep love for fried chicken and spicy ramen.
Read more: Maggie Q to Take the Lead in Prime Video’s New ‘Bosch’ Spin-Off Series
3 Body Problem has ambitious plans for multiple seasons, meaning Hong’s star is just beginning to rise. When asked about the inevitable fame, her reply is refreshingly grounded: “Some of my friends will ask, ‘Are you ready to be famous?’ But I just want to keep reminding myself that no matter how many people might know my face after this, I’m still just Jess.”
