When it comes with maintaining with upcoming e-book variations, it could actually usually be a double-edged sword to see a beloved e-book be translated into a special medium. In recent times, followers of Anne Rice books are getting fed due to AMC+’s Anne Rice Universe of TV reveals being created, nevertheless, one widespread gripe with Mayfair Witches specifically is how completely different the present is from the supply materials. When CinemaBlend spoke to Jen Richards, who each performs Jojo on the present, and has been studying the Rice books for the longest time, she shared her personal ideas on the subject.
Forward of the subsequent season of Interview With A Vampire and the brand new Talamasca sequence coming to the 2025 TV schedule later this 12 months, the second season of Mayfair Witches has been beginning off the 12 months with weekly episodes based mostly on ’90s e-book sequence, The Mayfair Chronicles. Right here’s what Jen Richards shared about her relationship with the books vs. TV present as a reader Anne Rice’s works herself:
I needed to let go of what I beloved in regards to the books, and what I anticipated after which embrace what was working in regards to the present and about these characters and their performances. After which, I bought actually excited for Season 2 ‘trigger I noticed I can divorce the books now from the present. The present’s its personal factor. I do not know in case you’ve learn Lasher, the second e-book within the Mayfair Chronicles, nevertheless it’s mainly unadaptable. There is not any method that you could possibly do what they do in that e-book on display in at present’s age.
Sure, the newest season of Mayfair Witches relies on the 1993 novel, Lasher, however there are noticeable variations between it and the AMC sequence. When talking about her expertise as a fan on Mayfair Witches, Jen Richards spoke to how being on the present meant she needed to let go of evaluating the 2 mediums and understand they each should be completely different. As she continued in our interview:
It is simply too darkish and too twisted for modern TV audiences. And so, that opened up the door. It is like, ‘Okay, so how can we take these themes that animate the e-book about girls and energy and legacy and destiny; all these like actually wealthy areas. What it means to present start to a monster, what it means to be the daughter of a monster, what it means to be a trans character in a household the place energy is matrilineal and handed on from girls. Like all these actually attention-grabbing issues that turned like enjoyable territory to play with.
Whereas I haven’t learn the books myself, relating to seeing the fandom work together on-line, I continuously hear them complaining in regards to the adjustments made to the TV present. Whereas I can completely perceive that having had favourite books of mine tailored earlier than poorly, when trying intently on the unique plot of Lasher, I completely see Richards’ level. There appears to be a serious plotline revolving round Lasher making it his mission to impregnate Rowan and different Mayfair girls in a disturbing plotline rooted in inbreeding and abuse of ladies. (Hocus Pocus’ Thora Birch made a cameo as one of many Mayfairs who will get killed by Lasher, however in a tamer method than the books).
It actually appears like Mayfair Witches has the spirit of the plotline of Lasher underneath its belt, however is making a ton of artistic liberties with its script. As Jen Richards shared, the sequence dives into among the massive themes of Lasher, however explores them in new methods. For Jojo Mayfair specifically, she will get to be a queer actor behind an LGBTQ+ TV character with the function. As she additionally mentioned:
So for Season 2, I used to be principally trying ahead to simply diving deeper, particularly into Jojo’s relationship to Rowan and to Cortland and the type of the massive betrayal that she felt on the finish of Season 1 with Cortland, and the best way to navigate this one that she’s at all times adored partially as a result of he was supportive of her in her transition, however now she sees like with clear eyes what he is carried out.
It has been over 30 years because the Mayfair Chronicles was printed, and it is sensible for the sequence to make a few of these adjustments. Plus, if the present hadn’t made some adjustments, Jojo’s fan-favorite character wouldn’t get to be a part of it!
Whereas we look forward to the subsequent episode of Mayfair Witches arising on Sunday, February 16, you’ll be able to take a look at what the present’s star Alyssa Jirrels mentioned about working with Alexandra Daddario and her ideas on getting a second with Lasher in a while within the season right here on CinemaBlend.