The beloved Polish TV series "Ranczo" is on the verge of possibly making its comeback, according to director Wojciech Adamczyk. Following its conclusion after ten successful seasons, fans of the show have long awaited news about the characters from Wilkowyje. Adamczyk recently sparked excitement among viewers by hinting at plans for creating an audiobook based on the yet-to-be-realized 11th season, written by the late Andrzej Grembowicz.
Since its debut on TVP1 on March 5, 2006, "Ranczo" has held a special place in the hearts of many, chronicling the lives of its main character, Lucy Wilska, and the quirky residents of the fictional village. The series not only captured countless viewers with its engaging storylines but also became iconic within Polish pop culture, running for ten seasons until its finale on November 27, 2016.
Fans were understandably dismayed when the series concluded, leaving many wondering about the fates of their cherished characters. Recent comments from Adamczyk have rekindled hope, as he mentioned being involved with various discussions to bring "Ranczo" back—this time not on television screens, but instead as what he referred to as a "luxurious audiobook."
"I’m trying to present this project in quite an unusual way," Adamczyk stated. "We are working on creating this grand audiobook, which will be based on six episodes of the 11th season written by Grembowicz during his struggle with illness." The audiobook aims to capture the essence of the beloved series but translate it for modern audiences through audio experience.
Adamczyk has already engaged with members of the original cast, including Cezary Żak and Artur Barciś, who responded positively to the idea. They are eager to lend their voices to the project, which aims to close the chapter on the series and provide answers to fans' long-standing questions about the characters' futures.
"Audiobooks are trending now, and I think this auditory adaptation will appeal to both the new and old fans of 'Ranczo,'" said Barciś. He noted the changes they will encounter due to the years since filming the original series, explaining, "We have all aged significantly, which makes it harder to continue the story as before. An audio version makes it easier as our voices haven't changed dramatically."
Another actor, Piotr Pręgowski, who played the role of Pietrek, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "We, the actors, are merely clay in the hands of talented sculptors. We are ready to revive the characters we loved, and I hope the audiences feel the same way!" His enthusiasm echoed throughout discussions with fellow cast members.
The push for this new format seems not only to satisfy the fans' desires for more content but also presents the opportunity to explore narrative themes and character arcs within the established universe. New storylines may revolve around the political intrigues stemming from Paweł Kozioł's presidency as portrayed by Żak, as well as the exploits of Arkadiusz Czerepach, played by Barciś.
While the audiobook format excites audiences, it also raises questions about how fans will perceive the absence of visual storytelling. Nevertheless, Adamczyk and his team remain optimistic. With discussions underway with the original music composers, Krzesimir and Radzimir Dębski, they hope to weave familiar melodies back to the audience as part of the project.
Despite the challenges posed by the deaths of key contributors, including Grembowicz and Paweł Królikowski, fans are encouraged by the possibility of this new project. Many see the audiobook as the perfect vehicle to relive the charm of the series without visual constraints.
"There’s still so much we can share and explore," Adamczyk affirmed. "This could open up new creative vistas for the 'Ranczo' saga and connect with our audience through sound." Looking to the future, Adamczyk expressed hope for the audiobook's release by the end of the year, alluding to the magic of Christmas as the potential launch time, saying, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful to gift the fans with this on Christmas?"
Through this project, "Ranczo" aims not only to revisit its past triumphs but also to evolve and adapt, proving once again why it has remained such a cornerstone of Polish television. The cherished tales from Wilkowyje may find new life and relevance, continuing to resonate with audiences old and new, reminding everyone of the passion and community built around beloved stories.