If you’re having trouble telling if that tingling sensation is coming from your loins or your Witcher medallion, don’t worry–it might be both. Netflix announced on Wednesday that it is developing and producing a new English-language TV drama series based on Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski’s mega-popular The Witcher novels, which inspired the critically acclaimed video game series produced by CD Projekt Red. Nerdist also announced on Wednesday that science editor Kyle Hill and I will not stop high fiving and doing bad Geralt of Rivia impressions until further notice.
Sapkowski’s eight novels and story collections–known collectively as the Witcher Saga–follow the adventures of witchers (duh), monster hunters who develop supernatural abilities at a young age in order to combat all manner of murderous creatures. It is important to note that this series will be based on Sapkowski’s books, rather than the popular video game series, from which he does not receive any profits.
“I’m thrilled that Netflix will be doing an adaptation of my stories, staying true to the source material and the themes that I have spent over thirty years writing,” said Sapkowski in a statement. “I’m excited about our efforts together, as well as the team assembled to shepherd these characters to life.”
Sapkowski will serve as a creative consultant on the series, working alongside The Expanse producers Sean Daniel and Jason Brown, who are executive producing, and Platige Image’s Tomek Baginski and Jarek Sawko.
The timing of this dark fantasy TV series feels particularly auspicious as Game of Thrones begins to wind down, leaving a gaping hole in the murderous fantasy-loving hearts of millions of TV viewers. Sapkowski’s visceral storytelling seems particularly well suited to the current television landscape, and the meticulous attention to detail that The Expanse gives to sci-fi fills me with confidence about the level of dedication of the creative team behind this show too.
As of yet, we don’t know which of Sapkowski’s stories the TV series will follow. In a joint statement, Daniel and Brown said, “The Witcher stories follow an unconventional family that comes together to fight for truth in a dangerous world. The characters are original, funny, and constantly surprising, and we can’t wait to bring them to life at Netflix, the perfect home for innovative storytelling.”
That isn’t to say that anyone involved in the video game series won’t be involved in this adaptation. Tomas Baginski, the Polish animator and filmmaker who directed the intro video for all three Witcher games and the Cyberpunk 2077 teaser, will direct at least one episode each season.
I only have one question for the producers: will there be a giant stuffed unicorn sex scene? Please say yes.
In order to prepare for this eventual TV series, I will be busying myself by reading Sapkowski’s novels and replaying The Witcher 3 on “Death March” for the umpteenth time.
What do you think of The Witcher coming to Netflix? Who should play Geralt? Let us know in the comments below.
Images: CD Projekt Red
Dan Casey is the senior editor of Nerdist and the author of books about Star Wars and the Avengers. Follow him on Twitter (@Osteoferocious).
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