Book Riot - The Podcast: "Will Romantasy Get a Shot at a Big-Time Adaptation?"

Release Date: February 24, 2025

Hosts: Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky

Introduction and Event Announcement

Timestamp: [02:20]

Jeff O'Neill and Rebecca Schinsky kick off the episode by announcing an upcoming event at Powell's in Portland, Oregon, scheduled for March 13th. They plan to each present their top 10 most recommendable books of the century, ensuring no overlap between their selections. Tickets are priced at $15, which essentially makes the event free as attendees are expected to spend at least $50 at Powell's.

Rebecca Schinsky:
"We're each picking 10 of the most recommendable books of the century... Tickets are 15 bucks, but they go towards buying something at Pals. And if you're going to come to our show at Pals, you're at least spending 50 bucks. So they're essentially free."
[03:06]

Adaptation News: Focus on Romantasy

Timestamp: [02:23] - [25:32]

The hosts delve into the main topic: the potential for Romantasy (romantic fantasy) series to receive significant adaptations in the film and television industry. They specifically discuss the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas.

Key Points Discussed:

1. ACOTAR's Potential for Adaptation:

   • Jeff O'Neill: Highlights the series' massive popularity and its ten-year presence in the market, comparing its cultural impact to that of Tolkien and Rowling.
   • Rebecca Schinsky: Points out the challenges of adapting such a beloved and intricate series, emphasizing the high expectations from its fanbase.

2. Challenges in Adaptation:

   • Length and Depth: Adapting a sprawling series like ACOTAR would require substantial investment in terms of time, special effects, and budget.
   • Content Sensitivity: The Romantasy genre often contains explicit content, which poses challenges for mainstream adaptations aiming for broader audiences.
   • Platform Suitability: Discussion about whether such adaptations are better suited for streaming platforms like HBO rather than traditional theatrical releases.

3. Casting Considerations:

   • Odyssey Adaptation: The conversation shifts to the upcoming "Odyssey" adaptation, with speculation on casting choices.
     • Jeff O'Neill: Expresses hope for actors like Tom Holland as young Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope.
     • Rebecca Schinsky: Suggests actresses like Kathryn Hahn or Charlize Theron fit the imposing nature of Penelope.

4. Market and Audience Dynamics:

   • Gen Z Consumption: They explore the paradox where Gen Z drives Romantasy reading but prefers less explicit content in visual media.
   • Skepticism About Success: Both hosts express doubts about the sustained interest and box office viability of such adaptations, questioning if the cinematic experience can capture the essence of the books.

Notable Quote:

Rebecca Schinsky:
"And the pitch of like it's so spicy. I think it gets watered down when you take it to the theater... The difference between reading it and seeing it in front of your face is pretty remarkable."
[25:14]

Casting Speculations and Adaptation Fidelity

Timestamp: [31:02] - [35:22]

The discussion shifts to the specific casting for the "Odyssey" adaptation, with playful banter about potential actors and the challenges of maintaining the story's integrity.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Casting Challenges:

   • Jeff O'Neill: Highlights the difficulty in casting for epic tales, mentioning the need for actors who can embody complex characters without relying on over-the-top portrayals.
   • Rebecca Schinsky: Emphasizes the importance of choosing actors who can convey the intellectual and emotional depth of characters like Penelope.

2. Adaptation Strategies:

   • Narrative Techniques: Considering whether the adaptation will use direct excerpts from the book or take creative liberties to make the story more accessible.
   • Visual Representation: Concerns about depicting explicit scenes graphically, which could alienate broader audiences and limit the adaptation's appeal.

Notable Quote:

Jeff O'Neill:
"And I don't know how you get the Odyssey on screen for less than three hours, honestly."
[31:38]

Industry Trends and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [35:22] - [44:48]

Jeff and Rebecca broaden their discussion to include other adaptation projects and literary achievements, reflecting on the state of the publishing and entertainment industries.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Upcoming Book Releases:

   • ND Stevenson’s "Scarlet Mourning": An anticipated release that's been a long-time companion to the author, blending pirate adventures with themes of childhood and societal issues.

2. Literary Awards:

   • Los Angeles Times Book Prizes: The hosts mention the finalists across various categories, expressing their preferences and expectations for the winners.
   • Final Finalists: Including "Ghost Roots" by Pemi Aguda and "God Bless You, Otis Spokemeyer" by Joseph Earl Thomas, among others.

3. Listener Engagement:

   • Encouragement for listeners to reach out via email and participate in events, signifying the podcast’s commitment to community interaction.

4. Adaptation Precedents:

   • Harry Potter vs. ACOTAR: Comparing how "Harry Potter" successfully transitioned from books to a beloved film series, questioning if ACOTAR can replicate that success given its different genre and content.

Notable Quote:

Rebecca Schinsky:
"There's so many books out there that that kind of doesn't matter. The marginal person in that regard."
[28:49]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [44:07] - [44:48]

As the episode winds down, Jeff and Rebecca reiterate their excitement for upcoming books and adaptations, while also promoting their event and encouraging listener participation.

Final Remarks:

• Event Reminder: Final push for listeners to register for the March 13th event at Powell's.
• Community Engagement: Emphasis on listener emails and interactions to foster a vibrant book-loving community.

Closing Quote:

Jeff O'Neill:
"Thanks so much for listening today."
[44:48]

Insights and Conclusions

• Adaptation Viability: While Romantasy series like ACOTAR have a dedicated fanbase, their complex narratives and explicit content present significant challenges for mainstream adaptations.

• Casting Importance: The success of adapting beloved literary works heavily relies on casting choices that resonate with the audience and stay true to the characters' depth.

• Market Dynamics: Understanding the evolving preferences of younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, is crucial for the adaptation industry's future, balancing between faithful representations and broad accessibility.

• Community Engagement: Book Riot's podcast not only informs listeners about the latest in the literary world but also actively involves them through events and interactive discussions, strengthening the book-loving community.

For more information and to engage with Book Riot:

• Website: bookriot.com
• Email: podcast@bookriot.com
• Event Registration: Links available in the show notes on the Book Riot website.