A Discovery Of Witches: the TV show is “quite a departure” from the books

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A Discovery Of Witches, the TV show inspired by Deborah Harkness’ books, will be “quite a departure” from the source material. Owen Teale, who is set to play the character of Peter Knox, warned fans of the changes during an appearance on Sunday Brunch.  

Digital Spy saw the interview play out on Channel 4’s weekend magazine show, and we have them to thank for transcribing these quotes.

Teale, who recently put in a fine performance as Alliser Thorne in Game Of Thrones, said this about the series and its relationship to the books:

“Well, I would say it’s quite a departure because the books are written in first person so everything she encounters, you’re in her head and that’s… when people exist, it’s through her. Of course, when you’re doing a TV series, you have to give life to all these people and what they’re doing when she’s not with you.”

The series still centres on the character of Diana Bishop, who is played here by Teresa Palmer. Professor Matthew Clairmont, as played by Matthew Goode, is another key player.

Teale went on to describe his own role:

“I’m sort of the political leader… I’m a big witch. Well, Peter Knox… some might say he’s a bit of a bad guy, but he’s just got some issues. He’s got some tactics which are a bit underhanded, but his main thing is to put witches back where they belong on top. The vampires have held us and oppressed us for too long. So it’s survival, and he’s willing to live and let die.”

A Discovery Of Witches will premiere on Sky One on Friday 14th September.

We’ll bring you more news as we hear it.