George R.R. Martin, whose book Fire & Blood was adapted into HBO’s House of the Dragon, and Andrzej Sapkowski, whose The Witcher novels were adapted by Netflix, have both recently expressed frustration with how television producers handled their source material. Despite their commercial success and strong fan followings, these adaptations have drawn criticism from the very creators behind the original works, underscoring a recurring tension between authors and Hollywood.
What is Optioning?
The process of getting a book to become a motion picture (or any other form of content) is called optioning. A producer will normally option the right to adapt a literary work into a movie for a contractually agreed upon period of time (customarily 18 months to two years). During this period, the producer will have the exclusive right to develop the literary work into a motion picture. If, during that time, the producer is able to set up the project at a studio or raise independent financing, the producer will exercise the right to outright purchase the work, under pre-negotiated terms.
If the producer, however, is unable to develop the book into a movie for any number of reasons, then, after the specified time period ends, the rights to the work revert back to the author. The author can then option the same work to another producer hoping for a better outcome. Some authors have notably optioned their works numerous times to multiple producers over the course of decades in the hopes of seeing their story unfold on the big screen.
In today’s marketplace dominated by streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, option agreements have become even more common, with demand for adaptable intellectual property at an all-time high.
What Authors Should Be Aware of Before Optioning Their Book
While optioning can be financially and professionally rewarding, authors should carefully consider the risks. Creative disagreements often arise during the adaptation process. Common concerns include:
- Miscasting or tone mismatches
- Simplified or altered storylines
- Dialogue that diverges from the author’s voice
- A perceived lack of fidelity to the source material
For many authors, the key issue is creative control. Depending on their bargaining power, authors may negotiate rights such as:
- Consultation with the director or producers
- Approval (or input) on casting
- A role as screenwriter or executive producer
However, these protections are not guaranteed and lesser-known authors may have little leverage.
Even in the streaming era, high-profile disputes continue. For example, author Andrzej Sapkowski of The Witcher initially had a contentious relationship with the adaptation of this work, publicly criticizing prior financial arrangements and creative decisions, though his position has evolved as the franchise expanded globally.
When Deals Go Wrong
Sometimes, the downsides of a weak option agreement become highly visible. A frequently cited cautionary tale is Clive Cussler and the 2005 film Sahara, starring Matthew McConaughey. Despite reportedly earning millions from the deal, Cussler later claimed he was excluded from meaningful creative input, particularly in the screenplay.
The adaptation went through reportedly around ten different writers and Cussler was vocal about his dissatisfaction. The situation escalated into litigation, with Cussler suing for over $100 million for breach of contract, while the production company countersued. After years of legal battles, appeals, and significant legal expenses, neither side emerged with a meaningful victory.
The result was not only financial and reputational damage, but also the loss of potential franchise opportunities for the studio, demonstrating how misaligned expectations can derail even well-funded projects.
Conclusion
As demand for adaptable content continues to surge, more authors than ever have opportunities to bring their stories to screen. But enthusiasm should be tempered with caution. A well-structured option agreement, combined with clear expectations about creative involvement, can make the difference between a successful collaboration and a cautionary tale. For authors, the ultimate goal is not just to see their work adapted. It is to see it adapted well.
Contribution to this blog by Gianna Smurro.