We constantly see books turned into movies, movies can be turned into video games or video games can be turned into movies. There’s a lot of discourse on whether adaptations are true to the original and whether or not it is important. Common examples of successful adaptations are Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings. Even without including all details or getting things wrong, it was done in a way that allowed many to still love the movies alongside the books. Some adaptations with lots of criticism include the live-action Snow White, Ready Player One, and The Giver. The biggest complaint about Snow White was the choice of actor, the use of CGI for the dwarves, and the removal of a love interest. Ready Player One was drastically different than the book, from the challenges presented to entire sections being removed.
The point is, there are risks and benefits to creating new adaptations of old stories.
It’s not uncommon for popular books to get movies made and have them flop. The Percy Jackson books were wildly popular, and fans were ready for fantastic movies! Until they missed key details that enraged fans, such as the actors' ages, Annabeth’s appearance, and Luke being revealed as a villain, while ignoring Ares' involvement in the theft of the lightning bolt. They also complained about not seeing Cerberus and the flying shoes being cursed. As a Percy Jackson fan, this was hard to say.
A benefit of movie adaptations is the potential for whatever book or movie they are based on to get more attention and sales. Harry Potter books have gotten more and more popular as people see the movies, regardless of missing details and characters, such as Peeves the ghost.
The increase in exposure that media can receive due to adaptations can bring on a larger amount of interest than before, keeping the fandom strong as the years go by.
However, it is important that filmmakers keep a balance when transitioning the source material into a movie. Changes may have to be made to fit the format and abilities of movies, but fans often have strong attachments to things that filmmakers and screenwriters tend to overlook or cast out.
All in all, the success of an adaptation isn’t just about the similarities, but about the thought and passion put into the projects. Fans can see when you care, and don’t care if you don’t.
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