The Witcher's Unconventional Twists Revealed by Producer: A Must-Read!

Summary

The Witcher TV show has made changes from the books, such as expanded character backstories and character deaths, sparking debate among viewers.

The executive producer concedes that certain modifications were made due to production disarray and to cater to an American viewership, but also acknowledges that it can sometimes cross a line and be distressing for the original creators.

Despite assuring greater fidelity to the source material, even the most recent season of The Witcher incorporates changes, prompting inquiries about the goals of adaptations and the expectations that audiences should hold.

In an interview with Wyborcza (via Redanian Intelligence), executive producer Tomek Baginski openly discussed the alterations made in the Netflix series of The Witcher, particularly after the conclusion of season 3. Baginski attributed some of these changes to "production chaos" and provided insights into the challenges faced during the adaptation process. He also acknowledged the influence of delivering the story to a predominantly American audience, although he admitted that at times, the changes may have been taken too far, resulting in discomfort for both himself and the team. His complete statement is as follows:

When discussing it, it becomes apparent that screenwriters carefully considered this solution and it is not entirely absurd. We often have disagreements, but fruitful discussions lead to creative ideas. Our tester, Michał Niewiara, does an excellent job by assessing what aligns with the book's world. Occasionally, he provides us with a long list of suggestions, as we have taken different paths in various instances. However, there is always a valid reason behind these changes.

Sometimes, changes occur due to production chaos. For instance, if an actor falls ill, their storyline must be quickly edited and rewritten within a few hours to allow filming the next day. The whole production cannot come to a halt for a single plot. Understandably, controversial decisions are made due to practical reasons, but viewers lack this context and may feel disappointment if the book portrayed something better.

When I presented Hardkor 44 [a never-made variation on the Warsaw Uprising] abroad years ago, I encountered the same challenge. I tried to explain that there was an uprising against Germany, but the Russians were on the other side of the river, and there were also soldiers from Hungary or Ukraine on the German side. However, for Americans, this was too complex to comprehend because they grew up in a different historical context. In their context, America is always portrayed as good and the rest as the bad guys, with no complications.

When creating a TV series for a large audience with diverse experiences from around the world, including a significant number of Americans, these simplifications become necessary. While it may be painful for us and for me personally, a higher level of nuance and complexity would limit its reach. Although it may sometimes stray too far, we must make these decisions and accept them.

The Biggest Changes The Witcher Has Made In 3 Seasons

In The Witcher season 1, one major change is that Geralt is initially less talkative compared to his portrayal in the books. This alteration may be due to the format of the show. Additionally, the first season delves deeper into Yennefer's backstory, which is not extensively explored in the books. This modification is essential in order to provide more depth to Yennefer's character and engage the audience. Similarly, certain aspects of Ciri's powers and introduction are also adjusted.

In The Witcher season 2, changes are made to the original source material, resulting in a strong reaction. Notable characters meet their demise, and Yennefer loses her magic, which does not occur in the fantasy novels. This adjustment likely aims to create more dramatic tension but has sparked controversy as it deviates from the book's storyline and leads to other distinct developments.

Despite promising to stay true to the source material, The Witcher season 3 continued to introduce changes. Baginski's quote exemplifies the necessity of deviating from the formula at times. Even the latest installment incorporates alterations, resulting in certain characters experiencing different fates. This raises an ongoing dilemma about the objectives that adaptations should pursue and, correspondingly, what audiences should anticipate.