‘No One Is Taking the Books Away. No One Is Taking the Video Games Away’ – The Witcher Showrunner Responds to Backlash to Netflix Show

As the highly anticipated fourth season of The Witcher drops on Netflix, a wave of criticism has followed its deviation from the original books. The change in direction, highlighted by the departure of Henry Cavill and the introduction of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt, has sparked a heated discussion about the integrity of the source material. Showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich, however, has taken a firm stance, defending the creative choices and reassuring fans that while the series may differ from Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, the novels, along with the beloved video games, still stand untouched and available for fans to enjoy.

Schmidt-Hissrich addressed the growing backlash in an exclusive interview with Dexerto, emphasizing the distinction between the Netflix series and the original books and games. “You have book fans, you have video game fans, and then you have fans who were introduced to the world through the show,” she said. “And the truth is, we can’t choose one audience. We have to remember that we are making a television show. It’s a different medium than the books or the games, and it requires its own unique approach.”

The showrunner continued to elaborate on the challenges of adapting such a rich and expansive universe. “We have eight hours each season to tell a story, and it’s impossible to capture every detail from the books,” she explained. Schmidt-Hissrich argued that the adaptation process naturally involves changes to suit the format of television. Season 1, for example, leaned heavily into short story collections from Sapkowski’s books. However, as the series evolved, it became necessary to weave these stories together in a more cohesive narrative. “You can’t just tell unrelated adventures,” Schmidt-Hissrich stated. “You have to find a way to connect them so that they push the characters forward in a meaningful way.”

Looking ahead, Schmidt-Hissrich revealed that Netflix had already renewed the series for Seasons 4 and 5, giving her a unique opportunity to plan the show’s trajectory with a clear end in sight. “We knew where we were headed from the start,” she said. “That made it easier to structure the story and make decisions about where to take the characters. We had to craft this story with that specific ending in mind.”

For those concerned that the show was straying too far from the source material, Schmidt-Hissrich reassured them, “The books are still there. No one is taking the books away. No one is taking the video games away. I think everyone can have their version of The Witcher, and this is ours.” The showrunner also hinted that she might step back after Season 5 wraps, after dedicating nearly a decade to the franchise. “By the time we finish, it will have been nine years of my life,” she reflected. “It’s time to let go and think about what the end of this story looks like.”

As for the future of The Witcher franchise, Schmidt-Hissrich was cautious but optimistic. “There are so many stories to tell in this world, but we have to know when to let go,” she said. “After Season 5, it feels like the right moment to step back and allow the story to come to a natural conclusion.”

The announcement of Liam Hemsworth replacing Henry Cavill has also been a source of intense fan discussion, particularly regarding the portrayal of Geralt. Some fans believe that Cavill’s departure signaled a decline in the show’s commitment to the original material, while others have embraced Hemsworth’s take on the character. However, Schmidt-Hissrich believes that the show’s success isn’t just tied to the actors but to the overall storytelling. “I’m confident in what we’ve done, and I believe the audience will appreciate the direction we’re taking,” she said.

Despite the ongoing debates, the series continues to be a hit for Netflix, with Season 4 receiving a solid 7/10 rating from IGN. “Even with the Cavill/Hemsworth shake-up, The Witcher sticks to its guns and delivers a decent season of magic and mayhem,” the review stated.

Audience Reaction: A Mixed Bag of Hope and Discontent

While the show has found its audience, the backlash is hard to ignore. Some fans have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the changes. “Why mess with something that’s already great? Just create a new show if you want to tell a different story,” one commenter wrote. Another echoed similar sentiments: “It feels like they’re trying to make it their own thing, but in doing so, they’ve lost what made The Witcher so special.” These frustrations come from both longtime fans of the books and newcomers who were hoping for a more faithful adaptation.

Others, however, have defended the show’s creative liberties. “I get why they’re making changes,” said another viewer. “The show’s gotta be different from the books to stand on its own. If they stuck too closely to the source, it’d feel like a retelling, not an adaptation. It’s a tough balance, but I think they’re doing fine.”

Ultimately, the debate continues as The Witcher moves forward into new territory. Fans of the original material and newcomers alike will have to decide for themselves whether the changes enhance or detract from the magic of the series. One thing is certain: The Witcher remains a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations that bridge the gap between books, games, and television.