Zimbabwe-Inspired Actor Liam Cunningham's Newest Show Confirmed to Return in 2026

A decorated actor and once a resident and trainer here in Zimbabwe, Liam Cunningham shot to mainstream prominence alongside one of the biggest TV shows of all-time. In 2024, he re-upped with the makers of that show in a huge budget science fiction series for Netflix.

Over two years have passed since we last saw Cunningham’s gruff and blunt character in the 3 Body Problem, but with production wrapping up in February of this year, a targeted 2026 release date looks set to be met. It’s the second of three planned series following three books that Cunningham's character looks to be pivotal in.

Inspired by Zimbabwe’s Safaris to Act

Liam Cunningham has taken quite a journey to arrive on prestige television. After leaving secondary school in Ireland, he moved out to Zimbabwe to train electricians and maintain safari park electrical equipment. It was upon his return to Ireland as a 25-year-old that he found himself inspired by the awe of everyday life at the park.

So, looking for a distraction having become bored with his daily routine after leaving ZW, he took up an acting school ad, followed it through, and ended up as one of the most beloved characters in a colossus of a show. That show was, of course, Game of Thrones. The fantasy epic stole the conversation for a good decade.

While the sprawling book series was very much appreciated prior, the show put Westeros atop pop culture. Even today, and even after its calamitous final couple of seasons, it’s much loved across entertainment. Re-runs continue to be watched by the masses, millions tune in to the spin-offs as they air, and there are popular games.

Just looking at one market, the online bingo UK players can access hosts the game. The official Game of Thrones slot arrived just as the show was picking up and continues to be featured as a popular slot. With the music, setting, and several main characters from the show, it continues to be a big draw.

He was certainly an established actor prior, but Cunningham’s role as Davos Seaworth for 42 episodes really put him into the mainstream. As a result, his place as a prominent figure in 3 Body Problem has been a big selling point for viewers, and he should continue to feature for at least some of the second season.

Part 2 of 3 Body Problem is Coming



Based on a trilogy of novels by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem promises to span centuries between a mysterious set of occurrences happening on Earth to the eventual potential arrival of the alien race, the San-Ti, 400 years later. While Netflix committed up to $200 million to 3 Body Problem and collected a star-studded cast, Season 2 will be cut down.
The first season spanned eight episodes, but the second of 3BP will only run for six. Game of Thrones also saw its later seasons cut significantly as the climax approached. Season 3 is also said to be shorter at five episodes, with filming having taken place back-to-back with the second season.

Liam Cunningham’s character does look set to feature in the second season as he spearheads preparation for the San-Ti arrival. It’ll be interesting to see how they combat a force that can already control automatic cars and turn off the electronics of aeroplanes hundreds of years out from arriving, especially as the San-Ti can see all, apparently.
It’s a big ask to answer some of these questions from the show, but the charisma and presence of Cunningham will certainly help to keep viewers coming back for 3 Body Problem when it lands later in 2026.