Netflix's "The Witcher" showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich recently addressed claims that the writers of the show actively disliked and mocked the books written by Andrzej Sapkowski on which the show is based, according to FBC News.
Hissrich said that she never mocked the books as they were her entire lifeblood. Likewise, she said that she has a great relationship with Sapkowski.
She also described the writers' room as sacred, safe, and a supportive space. She urged the viewers not to believe everything that they read.
Former 'The Witcher' Writer's Remarks Cause Backlash to the Show
Over the last month, fans of The Witcher have heavily criticized the Netflix series and its creative tea, ever since it was reported that the writers' room of the show actively disliked and even mocked Sapkowski's novels as well as the CD Projekt Red's video games.
The backlash was spurred by various posts on social media including the one made earlier this week by the former "The Witcher" writer Beau DeMayo, according to The Gamer.
During the promotion of an upcoming animated series based on the X-Men franchise, DeMayo said that some of the writers of "The Witcher" actively disliked the books and games, as per EuroGamer.
He even added that the show's writers are actively mocking the source material. With this, the writer went on to explain that before you're allowed to add to a work's legacy, you have to respect it.
DeMayo's remarks brought on a backlash from viewers who are critical of the show. Many brought their reactions to social media, most notably on Instagram.
Amid the backlash, where critical fans called Hissrich a "trash writer," the showrunner patiently replied that DeMayo's claims were not true and she never mocked the source material.
Likewise, she said that she had respect for DeMayo for the great episode that he had written for the series.
Meanwhile, other writers who are currently working on The Witcher also responded to DeMayo's comments on Twitter.
According to Javier Grillo-Marxuach, the rumors are false and there is no hate of the source material at all among the writers.
There was a blunter response from Matt D'Ambrosio calling the claims "a whole mess of lies" from the former writer of the show, according to PC Gamer.
'The Witcher' Showrunner Urges Audience to Support the Franchise
The backlash on the show worsened after actor Henry Cavill announced his departure from the series. Cavill, who consistently exhibited a passion for the source material, did not explain the reasons why he decided to exit the show.
However, according to FBC News, reports surfaced afterward that he had a disagreement with the producers and the direction of the Netflix series.
In an interview, Hissrich addressed the fans' backlash, saying that what happened is a big deal for them but they understand the sentiments of the fans.
She then urged viewers to watch season 3 of "The Witcher." Likewise, she urged the audience to support the franchise, including the upcoming spinoff, "The Witcher: Blood Origin."
Cavill will still appear as Geralt of Rivia in season 3 but from Season 4 onward, Liam Hemsworth will play the titular monster slayer.
Hemsworth originally auditioned for the role back in 2018 when the show was still casting. While he was considered a favorite candidate, the role was given to Cavill.
