Hannah Casey
asked
Matt Ruff:
Matt, Were you envisioning your adaptation to come to life on HBO, in particular? If so, what inspired that choice? And do you think it lends itself to a wider audience?
Matt Ruff
Realistically, I didn’t think I’d have a choice – the odds against getting a TV show made at all are so great, I’d have been grateful to any network willing to take the story on.
But if you’re asking, what would my dream choice have been, then yes, I’d have picked HBO. They’re the gold standard of “prestige” cable networks, with lots of acclaimed shows (including many I personally love). They’re not afraid to take risks on potentially controversial material. They’ve got access to a lot of talent: Michael K. Williams has said in interviews that he thinks of himself as part of the HBO family, and his previous appearances on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire are part of the reason he ended up playing Montrose (another dream choice that I still can’t believe came true). And finally, HBO has deep pockets: I don’t know the details of Lovecraft Country’s budget, but I’m guessing that it’s bigger than it would be if the show were on any other network.
And yes, I do think the show has broad appeal, though it’s obviously not for everybody. Until I saw all the tweets from people afraid to watch the show after dark, I hadn’t realized what a big sticking point traditional horror is for some folks.
But if you’re asking, what would my dream choice have been, then yes, I’d have picked HBO. They’re the gold standard of “prestige” cable networks, with lots of acclaimed shows (including many I personally love). They’re not afraid to take risks on potentially controversial material. They’ve got access to a lot of talent: Michael K. Williams has said in interviews that he thinks of himself as part of the HBO family, and his previous appearances on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire are part of the reason he ended up playing Montrose (another dream choice that I still can’t believe came true). And finally, HBO has deep pockets: I don’t know the details of Lovecraft Country’s budget, but I’m guessing that it’s bigger than it would be if the show were on any other network.
And yes, I do think the show has broad appeal, though it’s obviously not for everybody. Until I saw all the tweets from people afraid to watch the show after dark, I hadn’t realized what a big sticking point traditional horror is for some folks.
More Answered Questions
Ian Stewart
asked
Matt Ruff:
Fun Question: I absolutely love A Princess of Mars and was very happy to see it in your book, and that your main character can see through its flaws. How would you tell a modern interpretation of that book? I always took it as a confederate standing up for the sins of his past and saving people. Have a great day, and Congrats on all your success, you deserve that.
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