Netflix’s The Witcher EP Lauren Hissrich Explains Race Changes: America Has “Long and Checkered History of Enslaving, Abusing, and Deriding People Who Aren’t White”
Drew Taylor
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Since the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher was announced, fans of the novels and games have generally approached it with skepticism.
Set in medieval Poland, The Witcher novels and games have long been celebrated for deep storytelling and gritty realism. However, following the casting announcements and the first trailer for the upcoming Netflix series, a number of fans feel the dark fantasy realism of the series will be thrown away in favor of agenda.
The Witcher series executive producer and showrunner Lauren Hissrich was recently asked why Hollywood appears to be constantly race and gender bending established characters specifically redheads. Hissrich would actually answer the question as it applies to The Witcher, but not before stating that America has a “long and checkered history of enslaving, abusing, and deriding people who aren’t white.”
I am a public relations nightmare!
I haven’t forgotten. Hi from London. It’s an interesting place to write this, because it’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world per the 2011 census. Diversity seems organic here, whereas in America, we talk about it. A lot.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
It makes sense that we do, because we have a long and checkered history of enslaving, abusing, and deriding people who aren’t white. When the scales have historically tipped so far in one direction, it’s natural to swing back in the other in order to find a middle ground.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
A lot of entertainment is made in America, so it makes sense that this frame of mind seeps into tv and movies as well. I can’t speak for any other shows, but I can tell you in terms of The Witcher, here are a few things that were on my mind when thinking about inclusivity:
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
“The books are Polish and packed with Slavic spirit. It was important to keep that same tone in our show,” Hissrich said. “With that in mind, I asked around (especially to Polish friends): can the Slavic culture be reduced solely down to skin color? The answer was resounding: god, we hope not.”
– The books are Polish and packed with Slavic spirit. It was important to keep that same tone in our show. With that in mind, I asked around (especially to Polish friends): can the Slavic culture be reduced solely down to skin color? The answer was resounding: god, we hope not.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
She would then note The Witcher is being made for “190 countries.”
– We’re making the show for 190 countries. In all creative adaptations, changes are made with the audience in mind. In the video games, Geralt & the Witchers have American accents. That’s not what was in the books, but developers wisely knew they should appeal to a broader base.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
Hissrich later added, “The Witcher is REALLY interesting when it comes to depicting racism because it’s about species, not skin color. What makes characters “other” is the shape of their ears, height, etc. In the books, no one pays attention to skin color. In the series… no one does either. Period.”
– The Witcher is REALLY interesting when it comes to depicting racism because it’s about species, not skin color. What makes characters “other” is the shape of their ears, height, etc. In the books, no one pays attention to skin color. In the series… no one does either. Period.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
When asked about the casting choices and why characters such as Triss Merigold (traditionally a redheaded woman) looked so different compared to the source material, Hissrich would respond, “In terms of casting, we welcomed everyone and anyone to put themselves forward to prove they could embody the character. We saw all ages, all ethnicities, all levels of talent, from movie stars to fans in Poland who’d never acted professionally before. We chose the best actors.”
– In terms of casting, we welcomed everyone and anyone to put themselves forward to prove they could embody the character. We saw all ages, all ethnicities, all levels of talent, from movie stars to fans in Poland who’d never acted professionally before. We chose the best actors.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
Finally Hissrich would summarize, “I’ve been clear about my actions not being a result of “feeling liberal.” I hope this explain my true motivations: Polish culture not being synonymous with whiteness; appealing to a wider audience; honoring the book’s allegory for racism; finding the best actors.”
– I’ve been clear about my actions not being a result of “feeling liberal.” I hope this helps explain my true motivations: Polish culture not being synonymous with whiteness; appealing to a wider audience; honoring the books’ allegory for racism; finding the best actors. ♥️
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 26, 2019
Inequality between humans and other fantasy races has been present in The Witcher at times, but it has been on a species level.
Human characters in the books and games reflected the medieval Slavic setting and time period, and were depicted as Caucasian.
No premiere date for Netflix’s The Witcher series has been announced. However it’s supposed to launch later this year.
What do you think? Is this a case of Hollywood pushing an agenda or is it much needed representation?
Let us know in your feedback.
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