During his appearance at Vienna Comic Con, Andrzej Sapkowski claims that the streaming giant 'never listened' to his ideas for its hit series adaptation of his novels and games.
- Nov 23, 2023
AceShowbiz - Polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski, whose books are adapted into Netflix's hit "The Witcher", is not happy with how the streaming giant treats him. During his appearance at Vienna Comic Con, Sapkowski claimed that Netflix "never listened" to his ideas for its series adaptation of his novels and games.
During the pop culture event, Sapkowski was asked if he's given the streamer any feedback regarding the hit series, which stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in its first 3 seasons. In response, the author said with a laugh, "Maybe, I gave them some ideas, but they never listened to me. But it's normal."
He later impersonated a Netflix executive who dismissed his ideas. "Who's this? It's a writer, it's nobody," he said. Netflix has yet to react to Sapkowski's comments.
Fans, meanwhile, have been voicing their opinions on how Netflix's take on Sapkowski's source material features so many deviations. Cavill, who will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth in the upcoming season 4, also made comments on how important it is to stay faithful to the source material. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter prior to his departure, he said that he was committed to seven seasons "as long as we can keep telling great stories which honor Sapkowski's work."
Following Cavill's exit, one of the show's writers on its first two seasons took to Instagram to share insight into the behind-the-scenes process in the writers' room. "I've been on a show - namely Witcher - where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material)," Beau DeMayo said. "It's a recipe for disaster and bad morale. Fandom as a litmus test checks egos, and makes all the long nights worth it. You have to respect the work before you're allowed to add to its legacy."
In response to De Mayo's remarks, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissric explained, "I've never mocked the books. The books are my entire livelihood. I have a great relationship with Mr. Sapkowski, and writers rooms are sacred and safe and - more than anything - supportive spaces. Don't believe everything you read."
