Witcher Author's Ideas Ignored by Netflix for the Show, He Claims
Witcher author, Andrzej Sapkowski, dismisses concerns over Netflix's adaptation, stating it's a common occurrence Despite his ideas being unheard, Sapkowski takes a lighthearted approach, implying it's a customary aspect of the adaptation process
Andrzej Sapkowski, the creator of The Witcher and author of the original novels, revealed that he offered some ideas to the creators of the Netflix show but felt that they didn't heed his suggestions. The statement was made during an interview with Sapkowski at the Vienna Comic Con by the Austrian gaming YouTubers Cerealkillerz. The interview delved into Sapkowski's inspirations, writing process, advice for aspiring writers, and his thoughts on the various adaptations of the franchise. When asked about his visit to the set of the Witcher Netflix show, Sapkowski initially expressed excitement but later humorously remarked on the limited influence he felt he had, saying, "The set was amazing...I shared some ideas but they never paid attention to me. It's normal. Who am I? A writer. Just nobody."
When questioned about whether any of the different adaptations captured Sapkowski's original vision, he responded, "every adaptation that I saw was strange for me...sometimes it's very nice for me...sometimes it isn't. I will not elaborate." Sapkowski also mentioned that he is currently working on another Witcher book set to be released next winter. When asked if he plays video games, Sapkowski answered, "Never. I have no time for this."
In a promotional video for the Netflix show from December 2019, there is a conversation between Sapkowski and The Witcher showrunner Lauren Hissrich. The interview is interspersed with footage from Sapkowski's visit to the set. During the interview, Sapkowski expresses his excitement for the show and his anticipation for the final result. He stated, "you cannot judge the soup by the groceries."
The Witcher show debuted season 3 in two parts in 2023. That season was Henry Cavill's final ride as Geralt of Rivia. Starting with season 4, Liam Hemsworth will replace him.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, I have mixed feelings about the Netflix adaptation. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's efforts to bring the beloved characters and stories to life on screen. The production value is high, the acting is strong, and the special effects are impressive. On the other hand, I am disappointed that the showrunners did not seem to take Sapkowski's ideas and suggestions into account. As the original creator of the Witcher universe, Sapkowski has a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations, and his insights could have been invaluable in shaping the show's narrative.
Despite his concerns, Sapkowski maintains a lighthearted attitude about the adaptation process, acknowledging that it is normal for changes to be made when adapting a work of literature to another medium. His willingness to accept the show's divergence from his original vision is a testament to his understanding of the challenges of adaptation. As a fan, I hope that the showrunners will be more receptive to Sapkowski's ideas in future seasons, as his involvement could help to ensure that the show remains true to the spirit of the original novels.
