"Michael Wilkinson Discusses Sci-Fi Costume Authenticity in 'Three-Body Problem'"
In the realm of costume design, authenticity holds paramount importance, especially when bringing a complex science fiction series such as "3-Body Problem" to life. Renowned costume designer Michael Wilkinson, best known for his work on projects like "Tron: Legacy," "American Hustle," "Justice League," and "Andor," delves into the intricate process of creating realistic and engaging costumes for the Netflix series. In this exclusive interview, Wilkinson discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing for multiple eras, his collaboration with the show's creators, and achieving a seamless blend of historical accuracy and futuristic vision in the "3-Body Problem" costumes.
"It's so good to talk to you again, 3-Body Problem costume designer Michael Wilkinson," said Spencer Williams, the interviewer.
"I'm delighted to talk to you again, thank you for your interest in 3-Body Problem," replied Wilkinson.
Discussing the show, Williams admits to being unfamiliar with it prior to seeing the series. "When I heard about the project and read the scripts, I was dazzled by their originality," said Wilkinson. "I've never read anything like it."
Acknowledging the shows complexity, Wilkinson shared his approach to creating authentic and grounded costumes for various characters. He considered the characters' insecurities, good and bad days, and differentiated between them based on their backstory. Each character's unique look was intended to help audiences connect with them, ensuring they cared about the characters as they navigated the show's intricate plot.
Wilkinson collaborated closely with the show's creators, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, to develop a modern, intelligent type of storytelling that would make viewers engage without making the journey too easy. The show covers a wide range of time periods and locations, from contemporary settings to ancient China, Tudor England, and 16th-century Italy, making careful research crucial.
"When you cover just one period, it's easy; I know the silhouette and how to achieve that. But the challenge here was to be authentic to multiple periods while also considering the available textiles, how they were woven, what materials they had, and how things were constructed," explained Wilkinson.
For characters like Sophon, played by Sea Shimooka, Wilkinson grappled with designing a look that represented the alien race yet remained approachable and relatable. "We wanted to avoid any video game cliches and create a look that was simple, iconic, memorable, and strong but not too scary," he said.
Balancing historical accuracy with a futuristic vision required diligent research, precise planning, and a dedicated team. Wilkinson emphasized the importance of his professional team, noting that their support was essential in navigating the show's logistical challenges. With thousands of costumes, hundreds of extras, and a sizable crew, the production required a herculean team effort.
Audiences are invited to see "3-Body Problem" on Netflix, immerse themselves in its complex narrative, and ponder its big questions about humanity's place in the universe and our self-imposed value systems. "Expect the unexpected and enjoy the ride," encouraged Wilkinson.
"Michael Wilkinson, the costume designer for the Netflix series '3-Body Problem', discussed the challenges and triumphs of balancing historical accuracy with a futuristic vision in costume design for movies-and-tv in the entertainment industry."
"As Wilkinson collaborated closely with the show's creators, his aim was to create unique looks for each character, ensuring authenticity and encouraging audience connection, especially when portraying characters from multiple eras like Tudor England, 16th-century Italy, and ancient China."
