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
Samsalaqueen
asked
Matt Ruff:
Hi Mark, by now we are (unfortunately) used to gender-swapping when it comes to movie or TV show adaptations of books. Usually it's the bright, smart, funny and/or strong girl/woman that is turned into a boy/man. This time around, Horace has been gender-swapped into Diana. How do you feel about that? What was the thought process behind it and do you think the character suffered or benefited from it?
John
asked
Matt Ruff:
How different was writing "Lovecraft County" in comparison with "The Mirage", since I am aware that you had tried pitching "The Mirage" first as a TV series before writing it as a novel? I am especially impressed with your world building in "Lovecraft Country", though it lacks the inventiveness of say, what you dubbed as the internet in "The Mirage".
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