The author of The Wizard reflects on his untapped contributions and the experience of seeing his creation come to life.
Deep in a studio full of magic and monsters, Andrzej Sapkowski, the creator of The Wizarding World, watches with critical but curious eyes as his fantasy world comes to life on Netflix. Although his name is heard in the halls of production, Sapkowski reveals a bitter but funny truth: his suggestions are often forgotten.
An irreversible view
Speaking from the heart of Vienna Comic Con, Sapkowski shares a glimpse of the film set with Serelkillerz: a fascinating scene, but his voice as an author seems to fade in the middle of the set. “It’s normal, who am I? Only the writer,” he jokes, reflecting the irony of being the architect of the universe now in the hands of others.
The author of six novels in The Witcher saga, with a seventh on the way, Sapkowski created the narrative wallpaper that will serve as the basis for the Netflix adaptation. The series saw stars like Anya Chalotra, Freya Allen and Joy Baty under the creative direction of Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. Henry Cavill, who played the iconic Geralt of Rivia until the third season, will hand over the mantle to Liam Hemsworth in the fourth installment.
A strange sight for Sapkowski
It is sad for the author to see his creations on screen. In a conversation with the YouTube channel, Sapkowski admitted that he was a stranger to the visual process, accustomed to building the world with words instead of images. “Each visual adaptation seems strange to me,” he admits, perceiving his representation of the universe as an interesting and sometimes surprising reflection.
A hero between two worlds
The saga’s central character, Geralt of Rivia, has transcended the pages written by Sapkowski, becoming a cultural icon in both video games and the Netflix series. This transition from one medium to another has been a fascinating journey, with each adaptation adding something unique to the wizard. Henry Cavill’s performance was particularly praised for its fidelity to the source material, capturing the character’s essence through physical strength and emotional complexity. His replacement by Liam Hemsworth in the fourth season has raised hopes and doubts among fans.
By comparing Geralt in different mediums, you can see how adaptation affects the perception of the character. In video games, Geralt is presented in a more interactive and customizable approach, while the Netflix series offers a more narrative and structured perspective. This diversity of representation emphasizes the richness and versatility of the wizarding world, showing that a character can develop and adapt while maintaining content within a variety of art forms.
New adventures on the horizon
In the vast universe of The Witcher, Sapkowski created not only a character, but a whole world rich in mythology and legend. This narrative depth is key to the transition from novels to the screen. The Netflix series, although directly inspired by the books, also takes elements from the popular games, creating a cultural fusion that appeals to a diverse audience. This interplay of media highlights Sapkowski’s ability to build a universe that lends itself to multiple interpretations, without losing the essence.
As season 4 begins production, the start of filming is a mystery. Netflix, meanwhile, fueled expectations with the announcement of a new animated spin-off: The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. This new adventure features the voice of Doug Cockle, the actor who gave life to Geralt in video games, immersing fans in unknown depths.