Lauren S. Hissrich, the creator of Netflix’s The Witcher, has explained why the show isn’t an exact adaptation of the books.
The first season of The Witcher on Netflix went down a treat with audiences, introducing a gigantic new viewership to the world of Geralt. But the show isn’t a carbon copy of the books and won’t be going forward either.
Why is this? Well, creator of the show Lauren S. Hissrich has explained the decision making on Twitter: “When you write an adaptation, you have to be familiar with the original work. Yes. Of course. The writers and staff on The Witcher had to read all of the books, and had to appreciate/enjoy the genre. But I specifically didn’t seek out ten Sapkowski scholars.
“Instead, I found several writers who were intimately familiar with the characters and themes and politics of the Continent. Some grew up with these stories (lookin at you @Ba66ins) and provided rich detail and insight into not just the books, but the history behind them.
“But it was equally important to have writers in the room who were able to question the ‘givens’ in the books. Who could say, ‘Why do people hate the elves so much?’ or ‘Wait, I still don’t understand Ciri’s bloodline. How do we examine it in a clearer way for the tv audience?’
“In simplest form, we need writers fighting for the spirit of the books, and the intention of the author. And also writers who know that novels can’t be a 1:1 adaptation to tv, because characters can’t speak for hours on end without interruption (lookin at you Geralt and Iola.)
“We need writers who are close, but not too close. Who love the world, but aren’t afraid to question it. Who are fans, but are willing to step back and open their minds, in order to bring their beloved world to our real (big) one. I hope we did that.”
In simplest form, we need writers fighting for the spirit of the books, and the intention of the author. And also writers who know that novels can't be a 1:1 adaptation to tv, because characters can't speak for hours on end without interruption (lookin at you Geralt and Iola.)
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) June 8, 2020
What do you make of this long explanation by the creator? Is The Witcher accurate enough to the books? Let us know in the comments and social media @flickeringmyth.
SEE ALSO: Watch a VFX breakdown for Netflix’s The Witcher
Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.
The Witcher stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer and Freya Allan as Ciri. Other cast members include Jodhi May, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Adam Levy, MyAnna Buring, Mimi Ndiweni, Therica Wilson-Read, Emma Appleton, Eamon Farren, Joey Batey, Lars Mikkelsen, Royce Pierreson, Maciej Musiał, Wilson Radjou-Pujalte, and Anna Shaffe.
