Why are there so few good medieval fantasy shows and movies?

The relative scarcity of high-quality medieval fantasy shows and movies can be attributed to several intricate factors that influence the production, success, and overall appeal of the genre. The genre itself is a niche subgenre, dedicated to a passionate but specific audience, which often leaves it in a more limited field than broader genres such as contemporary dramas or action films.

Niche Genre

Medieval fantasy, as a specific subgenre, appeals to a niche audience that is deeply interested in its rich history, mythology, and thematic exploration. While the genre has a dedicated fan base, the crowd that it attracts may not be as broad as those for other genres that cater to a wider spectrum of interests. This limited audience size can make it challenging for studios to justify the risks and costs involved in producing medieval fantasy content.

High Production Costs

The creation of a medieval fantasy world often requires substantial investment in costumes, sets, and special effects. Building and staging these worlds can be extremely costly, especially considering the high standards often demanded by modern audiences. These financial risks can significantly deter studios from giving a green light to such projects, even if their commercial viability is uncertain.

Complex World-Building

Creating a believable and immersive medieval fantasy world that resonates with audiences requires extensive and intricate world-building. This process involves developing not only a complex history and mythology but also the social, political, and technological structures. Poorly developed plots or characters can leave viewers let down, causing studios to be cautious about investing in new projects in the genre.

Saturation and Competition

The entertainment landscape is saturated with a wide variety of genres, and the popularity of certain franchises can lead to a saturation of that genre in the market. For example, superhero and science fiction franchises have dominated the market in recent years, reducing the space available for medieval fantasy. This competition can result in fewer opportunities for burgeoning projects in the genre to gain traction and success.

Cultural Trends

The popularity of genres can fluctuate over time, and cultural trends play a significant role in the success of a particular type of content. While the appreciation for medieval fantasy has periods of popularity, other genres may remain more dominant due to factors such as audience preferences, marketing strategies, and current cultural contexts. This variability means that even when interest in medieval fantasy is high, creators and producers must navigate through a complex and dynamic market.

Creative Challenges

Adapting source material such as novels or games into a visual medium like movies or TV series can present unique creative challenges. Balancing fidelity to the source material with the need for compelling storytelling and engaging characters is a constant struggle. A poorly executed adaptation can result in fan disappointment, leading to reluctance from producers to invest in new adapted works.

Despite these challenges, there are several successful medieval fantasy shows and movies that have managed to captivate audiences. For example, The Witcher, based on Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, has been a critical and commercial success, demonstrating that with the right approach, the genre can thrive in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

One notable example that highlights the vast differences within a single film is the difference in portrayal of characters. In a movie a few years ago, the protagonists (the Brothers Grimm and a woman they meet) were depicted as flawlessly groomed, with immaculate hair and perfect teeth. In contrast, military officers and other characters ranged from merely dirty to absolutely caked in mud and filth. This uniform and striking contrast in the portrayal of characters, coupled with the overall aesthetic, often disrupted the viewing experience for some of the audience members. Similarly, a British film from years ago featured a young man on a quest who unexpectedly joined a group of criminals. Despite the fact that these criminals looked like they were on leave from death row, the film's unique and sometimes harsh portrayal made it memorable for many viewers.

Such differences in execution can serve as valuable lessons for future productions in the genre, demonstrating the importance of authenticity and consistency in world-building and character development.