In 3 Body Problem, Will Downing gets diagnosed with terminal thyroid cancer. With only two to six months left to live, does Will die in 3 Body Problem? Here's what we know.
Spoiler Warning: This article includes spoilers for 3 Body Problem, so proceed with caution.
What Happened to Will in 3 Body Problem?
As mentioned, Will Downing (played by Alex Sharp) gets diagnosed with terminal thyroid cancer in 3 Body Problem's episode 2. The doctor then tells him he has between two to six months left to live.
With his impending fate, Wade (played by Liam Cunningham) suggests Will be part of Operation Staircase in episode 5. This operation meant that they'd have to sever off Will's head, freeze it, and send it off to space.
This way, the San-Ti would be curious and rebuild his brain using their advanced alien technology.
When Will agrees, he undergoes a procedure where his head gets severed off and frozen. The scientists then put his brain inside the reconnaissance probe that would bring it to the San-Ti.
A few explosions launch the probe into lightspeed. While they believe Operation Staircase would be a success, one of the strings of the parachute breaks and sends it off course.
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Does Will Die in 3 Body Problem?
So does Will die in 3 Body Problem? Technically, he does. In order to have his brain undergo preservation and be sent to the San-Ti, Will needed to die.
Despite his fate, Will knew that he was doing something historic and life-changing. Plus, he had already accepted the fact that his sickness would cause him to die soon. By being part of Operation Staircase, he was doing something for humanity.
During the launch of the probe, however, a parachute string breaks and sends Will's head in the wrong direction. Everyone who was part of the project felt heartbroken.
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What Happens to Will's Head?
The fate of the probe is unknown at the end of 3 Body Problem. It's possible that it will float endlessly through space until it gets destroyed by a comet or meteor or burnt when it accidentally enters a planet's atmosphere.
On the other hand, the San-Ti are already aware that Will's head is floating in space. It's possible that they could go towards its direction so they can study it.
If this happens, the San-Ti might attach his head to an endoskeleton and either use it as a pet or slave.
Hopefully, a second season will be ordered so we will know what happens to Will's head.
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