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Extended look at Netflix’s The Witcher

Netflix have finally given us a proper look at their hugely anticipated adaption of The Witcher, and the central cast certainly look the part in their gothic garbs.

The fantasy TV landscape looked a little sparse following the underwhelming conclusion of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones. But Netflix have arrived in the nick of time for fans of the genre, releasing a string of promotional images for their upcoming series The Witcher.

In you’re unfamiliar with The Witcher, firstly, go grab The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from your nearest games store immediately, and secondly, check out the short series of novels written by Polish author Andrzej Zapkowski throughout the 90s. If you’re a fan of fantasy, you’re in for a serious treat.

Set in a reimagined medieval realm where people often prove more wicked than beasts, the central protagonist Geralt of Rivia traverses the treacherous and volatile lands, hunting monsters for coin using imbued physical and mental abilities, while either battling or endearing himself to rivalling factions depending on his motivations.

The Witcher’s politics and history are equally as interesting as the diaspora of mythical beasts that stalk the continent, and the varied characters have enough genuine depth and personality for the show to have longevity beyond the debut eight-episode season. It’s going to go for more than three, calling it now. Call it wishful thinking if ye must.

With such a wealth of source material at hand, it’s currently unclear which story will become the focus of the debut season, but the presence of Princess Ciri, Jennefer, and Queen Calanthe in the cast suggest to me that it will follow the plot of the first story of the main saga; Blood of Elves.


A look at the cast

Henry Cavill has ditched his blue spandex and wet-look gel for durable armour befitting the fierce yet stoic monster hunter Geralt, and he certainly looks the part.

Eagle eyed fans of the games thought they’d found a fundamental flaw with the costume, with Geralt ‘missing’ a silver sword – for the killing of ghouls and monsters – to accompany his steel sword (shown below), but that was strictly a gameplay mechanic for the console trilogy.

Anya Chalotra is making her second Netflix outing, after Wanderlust, as the alluring and proud sorceress Yennefer… one of Geralt’s few trusted allies and love interests (spoiler, he gets about).

Young actress Freya Allen will play her first major role as Ciri, a young girl with a mysterious connection to Geralt. I know more, but the rules of decorum forbid me from spoiling a series before it’s even aired.

Netflix are expected to reveal more information on The Witcher during its panel at San Diego Comic Con on July 19th.  In the meantime, I’m going to sail to Skellige and beat some lowly merchants at Gwent.

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