Fans Have A Lot Of Strong Thoughts About The Changes Mayfair Witches Have Made From The Books. What Star Jen Richards Has To Say As A Longtime Anne Rice Reader

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As a devoted cinephile and bookworm, I’ve found myself in the familiar predicament of eager anticipation when it comes to upcoming movie adaptations of beloved novels. Yet, there’s always that lingering apprehension when seeing a cherished tale transformed into a different medium. Recently, Anne Rice fans have been treated with the emergence of AMC+’s Anne Rice Universe of TV shows, yet, there’s a recurring complaint about the Mayfair Witches series, particularly its departure from the original source material. During my conversation with Jen Richards, who portrays Jojo in the show and has been immersed in the Anne Rice books for years, she generously offered her unique insights on this topic.

As we approach the next season of “Interview With A Vampire” and the upcoming “Talamasca” series, slated for 2025 television lineup, the second season of “Mayfair Witches” has kicked off the year by airing weekly episodes adapted from the ’90s book series, “The Mayfair Chronicles”. Here’s what Jen Richards had to say about her connection with the books compared to the TV show as a fan of Anne Rice’s works:

With the upcoming seasons of “Interview With A Vampire” and “Talamasca”, both set for 2025 television, the second season of “Mayfair Witches” is currently airing weekly episodes based on the ’90s book series, “The Mayfair Chronicles”. Here’s what Jen Richards had to share about her personal connection with the books and the TV show as a fan of Anne Rice:

As we get ready for new seasons of “Interview With A Vampire” and “Talamasca”, coming in 2025 on TV, the second season of “Mayfair Witches” is now airing weekly episodes based on the ’90s book series, “The Mayfair Chronicles”. Here’s what Jen Richards had to say about her experience with the books and the show as a fan of Anne Rice:

In even simpler terms:

With new seasons of “Interview With A Vampire” and “Talamasca” coming in 2025, the second season of “Mayfair Witches” is airing weekly episodes based on books from the ’90s. Here’s what Jen Richards had to say about her feelings towards the books and show as a fan of Anne Rice:

Initially, I found myself needing to let go of my attachment to the books’ aspects and the expectations they stirred up, and instead appreciate the elements that were effective about the series and the portrayals of those characters. Eventually, this shift in perspective ignited a great deal of enthusiasm for Season 2 as I recognized that the show could now stand independently from the novels. To be honest, if you’ve read “Lasher,” the second book in the Mayfair Chronicles, you’ll understand that it’s nearly impossible to adapt such content for today’s screen standards. It’s a unique piece that exists independently of the books.

Absolutely, the recently released season of “Mayfair Witches” is inspired by the 1993 novel “Lasher,” but it has its unique distinctions when compared to the AMC series. In an exclusive chat about her role on “Mayfair Witches,” Jen Richards shared that being part of the show required her to abandon the comparison between the two formats and understand that they each need to be distinct. As our conversation progressed, she elaborated:

*I had to let go of comparing the two mediums and realize that they both have to be different.* – Jen Richards on “Mayfair Witches

The storyline is too complex and dark for modern television viewers, providing an opportunity to explore deep themes such as female empowerment, legacy, destiny, and the nature of monstrosity in a family where power is matrilineal. This narrative offers intriguing perspectives on what it means to give birth to a monster, to be the daughter of a monster, and to be a trans character within this context – making for engaging and thought-provoking material.

Without personally reading the books, I often observe fans expressing discontent about the changes to the TV show. Given that I’ve had my fair share of favorite books being poorly adapted, I can empathize with their feelings. Upon closer examination of the original storyline for Lasher, Richard’s perspective becomes clearer to me. There appears to be a significant plot focusing on Lasher’s quest to impregnate Rowan and other Mayfair women, which involves themes of inbreeding and abusive treatment towards women that are quite disturbing. (Thora Birch from Hocus Pocus made a guest appearance as one of the Mayfairs who was killed by Lasher, but this portrayal was less intense than the books’ depiction.)

The TV series “Mayfair Witches” appears to carry the essence of the plot from “Lasher,” yet it’s taking significant artistic liberties with its storyline. According to Jen Richards, the show delves into some of the major themes presented in “Lasher,” but it does so in innovative ways. Notably, the character Jojo Mayfair is portrayed by a queer actor, offering representation for LGBTQ+ characters on TV. As Richards herself put it:

For Season 2, I’m primarily excited to explore Jojo’s connections further, particularly her relationships with Rowan and Cortland. I’m keen on understanding the depth of her feelings towards them after the betrayal by Cortland at the end of Season 1, which he had previously supported during her transition. Now, it seems she can see more clearly his actions, so I’m interested in how she will navigate her feelings for this person she once admired.

Approximately three decades have elapsed since the “Mayfair Chronicles” was first released, and it seems logical for the series to undergo some updates. Furthermore, without these modifications, a beloved character of Jojo’s wouldn’t have had the opportunity to participate in the show!

As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming episode of Mayfair Witches airing this Sunday, February 16, you can explore what show’s lead actress Alyssa Jirrels shared about collaborating with Alexandra Daddario and her thoughts on a potential encounter with Lasher in the future, right here on TopMob.

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2025-02-12 12:07