Witcher TV Show By Netflix Planned, High Stakes And Huge Risks

Video games and film are two industries that have had a tumultuous relationship, but books and cinema are different. In a recent announcement, the world is presented with a unique situation wherein Netflix is planning on adopting the Witcher franchise for the small screen. In both video game and book forms, the property has seen major popularity, and could just as easily be the next Game of Thrones as it could go down in flames.

As Forbes points out, it has become increasingly difficult to feel excited about the prospect of a video game property being turned into a movie or a TV show. In the case of the Witcher video games, CD Projekt Red managed to create a fantastic series based on the novels by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. Its excellence is such that it has become the standard with which all subsequent titles are judged.

For the planned Netflix show, it would seem that the content will be based on the original source materials, which are basically the books and the short stories. Sapkowski himself will be serving as creative consultant. In the press release, Netflix Vice President, Erik Barmack and the author both expressed optimism at the arrangement.

“Andrzej Sapkowski has created a rich and memorable world, at once magical and familiar,” Barmack said. “We couldn’t be more excited about bringing Netflix members around the world.”

“I’m thrilled that Netflix will be doing an adaptation of my stories, staying true to the source material and the themes that I have spent over thirty years writing,” Sapkowski added. “I’m excited about our efforts together, as well as the team assembled to shepherd these characters to life.”

To understand exactly how momentous this development is and how much is at stake, it’s worth noting that The Witcher books and video games are more than just products. They have become a symbol of pride in Poland and have become akin to national treasures. When former President Barack Obama visited the country, he was presented with “The Witcher 2: Assassins and Kings” as a gift, Business Insider reports.

Suffice it to say, Netflix has taken on an incredibly challenging task of capturing the action, sensuality, depth, and intrigue embedded in the stories. Its failure won’t just mean financial loss for the company. It could break the heart of an entire nation.