Andrzej Sapkowski’s name is widely recognized in the literary world, but it’s possible that he doesn’t carry as much weight in the audiovisual sector. Hence, the experience of the creator of the White Wolf carried no weight in Netflix’s offices.
The Polish writer has a new Witcher book on the way, which means he’s out there with his usual searing and wonderful honesty on the interview circuit.
He was at the Vienna Comic Con, where he spoke with the Austrian website Cerealkillerz about writing, video games, and Netflix’s popular and controversial television series about Geralt of Rivia.
Netflix never wanted to hear his words about the Witcher
Sapkowski mentioned, “Maybe I gave them some ideas,” when asked if he ever provided feedback to Netflix about the series, “but they never listened to me.”
With what I can only describe as a kind of laughter, Sapkowski repeated, “They never listen to me,” before portraying a Netflix executive in an irritated voice, saying, “Who is this? He’s a writer, he’s nobody,” and dismissed Sapkowski with a slight gesture.
Well, I suppose that explains why Netflix’s Witcher doesn’t reach the level of the books, but at least Sapkowski doesn’t seem bitter about it.
“It’s normal, it’s normal,” Sapkowski assured viewers, taking the time to note that Netflix’s production for the series was “tremendous.” I have to imagine that the royalties help make things a bit better.
So, if you’re wondering why Netflix’s Witcher series doesn’t capture the same essence as Sapkowski’s books, there’s at least one of the answers.
He’s also not interested in the video games by CD Projekt Red
Cerealkillerz also bravely asked the author, who can be a bit gruff when it comes to talking about the wildly popular Witcher games, if he himself had ever played video games.
“Never,” Sapkowski replied, “I don’t have time for that, and it’s not entertainment for me. No… I’ve never played it, and I have no intention of doing so.” And that was that.
