“You actually cannot get MORE disrespectful”: Netflix’s Dorian Gray Adaptation Sparks Massive Outrage as Fans Call Out the Show’s “Tone Deaf” Plot Twist
- With The Grays, the studio aspires to give fans a modern retelling of the story that features forbidden love and the dangerous consequences of one’s obsession with beauty.
- Netflix’s adaptation follows a completely twisted path where they wish to show Basil and Gray as siblings in the series, which is reportedly titled The Grays.
- Fans are calling for the cancellation or revision of The Grays since it is changing the basic foundation of the entire story.
The classic novel that failed to get the credit it deserved back when it was published in 1890 is now being deemed a must-read literary masterpiece. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild failed to impress the masses and was even banned when it was released. However, with the rise of Booktok and Bookstagram, books like these have made a smashing comeback with their old-school aesthetic and quotable dialogue.
Now, Netflix wishes to capitalize on the huge movement praising the classic novel by releasing a TV adaptation of the story. As with all book-to-screen adaptations, fans are worried their favorite classic narrative will not be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.
Fans bash Netflix for Inaccurate detail in Dorian Gray adaptation
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is being made into a television series by Netflix. While it’s not a wholly true-to-source adaptation, the studio aspires to give fans a modern retelling of the story that features forbidden love and the dangerous consequences of one’s obsession with beauty.
The novel gracefully examines sensitive subjects with Basil, an artist, and Dorian Gray, a beauty-obsessed wealthy gentleman at the center of the plot. While Basil is understandably in love with Gray, the issue is not confronted head-on in the story since same-sex relationships back in the 19th century were forbidden. However, Gray’s fascination with eternal youth and maintaining his beauty ultimately brings his downfall.
However, Netflix’s adaptation follows a completely twisted path where they wish to show Basil and Gray as siblings in the series, which is reportedly titled The Grays. Written by Katie Rose Rogers, the story is said to portray the two supposed love interests in the story as brothers. Social media is outraged at this treatment as the show is defeating the entire purpose of the narrative.
I hope Oscar Wilde haunts them all. pic.twitter.com/08hgXJm90L
— 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙰𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎 (@LeaveHeardAlone) August 21, 2024
Why is it SO hard for producers of book adaptations to just adapt what’s in the fucking book
— lyvik (@lyvik7) August 21, 2024
when you have a story like dorian gray written by a man who was criminally convicted for being gay, do u not see how fucking wrong it is to make the two main characters, who were clearly written as a hidden romantic interest, brothers.. you actually cannot get MORE disrespectful https://t.co/y5hiH6Dbji
— jess 🛸 (@vintagewerm) August 21, 2024
He's rolling in his grave right now ,wtf is this
— Finney ♡ | #1 lippman fan ☆ (@Panchuuyafan) August 21, 2024
Oscar Wilde has emerged as an icon for people of the LGBTQ+ community as they understand and relate to the issues faced by the author back when he was alive. His works feature subtle hints at his own sexuality that he couldn’t explore in life due to society’s strict norms. The writer used literary mediums to express his true self and be who he, is at least on paper.
Netflix continues to disappoint with Book Adaptations
This is certainly not the first time the streaming mogul has disappointed fans with its book-to-screen adaptations. Netflix is known to tweak stories to fit the screen rather than remaining true to the source material. From Girlboss and Death Note to Rebecca and Persuasion, the Netflix adaptations have often missed the mark and failed to garner the love they expected.
Only a few projects along these lines, with the most popular being Bridgerton, have delighted fans beyond comparison. Fans believe this is because the show is actually helmed by Shondaland, who oversaw the production and ensured the storyline was closely followed.
Nevertheless, fans are calling for the cancellation or revision of The Grays since it is changing the basic foundation of the entire story. By making them brothers, the show will still revolve around forbidden love, but it might become about incest rather than same-sex relationships.
