The Witcher is a hit on Netflix. The show’s success has re-ignited interest in the Witcher books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, which means he’s been talking to the media, which is good for everyone, because he is a character.
As I example, I offer what Sapkowki told Gizmodo when asked what about his work he thought Netflix best translated to TV: “My name appears in the credits. I cannot praise the show. It wouldn’t be decent.”
Okay. Well, is there anything they changed that you didn’t like? “I would have to be an idiot to say. My name appears in the credits.”
"[Changes were] inevitable. The process of transforming words into pictures cannot be done without some losses. But I’d rather keep the details to myself."
You wonder why he agreed to do an interview at all, then. But if he hadn’t we wouldn’t get his philosophy on work-life balance. Sapkowski admitted that he wasn’t very involved in production of the show, which is how he wanted it. “I do not like working too hard or too long,” he said. “By the way, I do not like working at all. ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone at me.’ John 8:7.”
I get it, Andrzej, I don’t like working hard, either, although my laziness doesn’t have a biblical foundation.
"You cannot compare spaghetti carbonara with a bicycle. Even though both have advantages and disadvantages." Andrzej Sapkowski, 2020 pic.twitter.com/QeWQgC3Dql
— Bantership Potemkin (@Bonesdrawstuff) January 27, 2020
“For the record: I strongly believe in the freedom of an artist and his artistic expression,” he continued. “I do not interfere and do not impose my views on other artists. I do not insist on anything and do not fight for anything. I advise. When necessary. And asked for.” I wonder if there was ever a time he was asked to advise on the show but found it unnecessary.
Anyway, Sapkowski also touched on how the Witcher show compares to the very popular Witcher video games from CD Projekt Red, a company with which he’s had a sometimes stormy relationship. Rather famously, Sapkowski didn’t think the games would be a success, so he handed over the video game rights for an upfront fee. After The Witcher 3 was a huge hit, he threatened legal action against the CD Projekt Red unless he was given a share of the profits, and the two eventually settled.
“I cannot compare anything to video games, because I have never played any,” he said. “Since I was a kid I haven’t played any games—with a possible exception of bridge and poker. Video games are simply not for me, I prefer books as entertainment. Anyway, in my opinion TV series and video games—any of them—cannot be compared. They are too different in approach, making—and objective. You cannot compare spaghetti carbonara with a bicycle. Even though both have advantages and disadvantages.”
Comparing spaghetti carbonara and a bicycle…they’re no fun to use in the rain?
A couple more highlights. Mr. Sapkowski, how to do feel about your book series reprinted?
"How do you expect I answer this question? That I despaired? Shed tears? Considered suicide? No sir. My feelings were rather obvious and not excessively complex."
Mr. Sapkowski, what are you looking forward to with The Witcher show?
"Allow me to quote Joe Abercrombie, the author whose books are very much to my liking: “Life is, basically, fucking shit. Best to keep your expectations low. Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”"
That’s gotta be my favorite. What about the show is he looking forward to? ‘I’m expecting it to suck but maybe it won’t, I dunno.’
Of all the reasons I’m glad The Witcher is a hit, the prospect of more interviews with Sapkowski is one of the biggest.
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