Netflix has announced a modern reinterpretation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, sparking mixed reactions from fans over significant changes to the original narrative.
In a recent announcement by Deadline, Netflix has officially greenlit a new TV series based on Oscar Wilde’s iconic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The series, tentatively titled The Grays, will be a modern reinterpretation set within the contemporary beauty industry. Despite the excitement surrounding the project, the reception from fans has been mixed, particularly due to significant departures from the source material.
Katie Rose Rogers and Robbie Rogers, known for their work on the critically acclaimed drama Fellow Travelers, are spearheading the project. Katie Rose Rogers will serve as the writer, with Robbie Rogers taking on the role of executive producer. Additionally, Lee Toland Krieger has been announced as the showrunner.
Departing from the original narrative, The Grays will depict Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward as siblings, a stark contrast to their relationship in Wilde’s novel. In the classic story, Basil is an artist who becomes infatuated with Dorian’s beauty. While their relationship is not romantic, it contains significant queer undertones that add depth to their interaction.
The decision to alter Basil and Dorian’s dynamic has sparked disappointment and criticism among fans. Social media has seen a flurry of reactions, with many accusing the adaptation of downplaying the original story’s queerness.
One fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) expressed their frustration: “I GOT SO EXCITED ABOUT A DORIAN GRAY ADAPTATION AND NOW I’M ANGRY. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY’RE GONNA MAKE BASIL AND DORIAN BROTHERS??????? THE DISRESPECT. HOMOPHOBIC, ACTUALLY.”
Another user echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “The Picture of Dorian Gray IS explicitly queer, it was SO explicitly queer that it was used as key evidence in Oscar Wilde’s conviction. To deny or downplay its queerness is the absolute height of erasure.”
A third comment highlighted the perceived insensitivity of the change: “When you have a story like Dorian Gray written by a man who was criminally convicted for being gay, do u not see how 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.”
The upcoming series adds to a long list of adaptations of Wilde’s 1890 novel that have appeared on stage, film, and television. Notable adaptations include the 2009 film Dorian Gray, starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth, and appearances in the 2003 movie League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Showtime’s Penny Dreadful series, and Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
As of now, Netflix has not announced a production start date or release date for The Grays. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this modern-day adaptation unfolds and whether it will preserve the essence of Wilde’s groundbreaking work.
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