“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I’d get an opportunity like this,” says 27-year-old actor Jess Hong, who is about to star in the Game of Thrones creators’ Netflix sci-fi epic 3 Body Problem, premiering on March 21st. “To be able to tell a story of this scope, that’s so epic and so nuanced at the same time, is a privilege.”

Set to be one of this year’s biggest blockbusters, with co-stars including Eliza González and Benedict Wong, it’s an adaptation of Liu Cixin’s internationally celebrated trilogy. Jess steps into the shoes of brainiac theoretical physicist, Jin Cheng, who battles an alien civilization she encounters from a nearby system of sun-like stars.

“I couldn’t stop myself from bingeing the entire season across two nights,” Jess explains, recounting how she watched the series back for the first time. “It’s captivating and striking and unlike anything I’ve ever watched before. Although I worked on it and have read the books, there were still moments that surprised me and left me awestruck. It’s a visual feast and an emotional rollercoaster.”

Jess Hong, undoubtedly, is about to become a household name. The 8-part series’ climatic trailer attracted over 11 million views in two weeks. But it took this glossy-haired New Zealander to overcome her “extremely shy and socially anxious” demeanor in order to pursue her Hollywood dreams.

“One day, when I was 17, I performed a monologue in a showcase and found myself in tears while speaking as this character I had become so familiar with. That’s what hooked me, the catharsis, and that beautiful connection I get to have with a character and their story.”

When quizzed about her takeaway from the otherworldly project, Jess muses, “This was my first time working with special effects. I am now confidently able to emote to sticky tape.” A niche skill, directors line-up.

Pre-order Wonderland’s Spring 24 issue at wonderlandshop.com…