We’ve known for more than two years that Netflix was developing a series based on The Witcher, which was first a popular series of novels from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, and later a critically acclaimed video game series by CD Projekt Red. The beloved franchise was fit for a TV adaptation, and Netflix, with its seemingly endless piles of budgetary cash, felt like the best home for such a sprawling, fantastical project. Now, we can start to assess just how successful the adaptation might be, as we have our first look at the series in the form of some intricate character posters.
First up is Henry Cavill as Geralt. We got a sneak-peek at this look in the form of a costume test a while back, but here we see him in his full, silver-wigged glory. The Legolas comparisons will be inevitable, but we have to say, this looks pretty stellar to our eyes.
In a tweet promoting the new images, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich gave a brief description of the show’s take on Geralt.
Where we started it all. ❤️⚔️? @witchernetflix
GERALT IS:
Stoic.
Circumspect.
Balanced.
Fierce.
Soft-and-squishy-in-a-tiny-place-in-his-heart-that-he’ll-never-reveal-until-maybe-the-end-and-even-then-it-will-just-be-a-hint-AND-yes-he-only-carries-one-sword-until-wait-for-it… pic.twitter.com/KKYRPBfE4a— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 1, 2019
Next we have Anya Chalotra as the sorceress Yennefer, who is also Geralt’s one true love. Charlotra is a relative newcomer, and we’re so excited to see her step into this magical world.
Back to where we started! @witchernetflix
YENNEFER IS:
Fiery.
Proud.
Shrewd.
Contradictory.
Seeking-to-fill-a-family-sized-hole-in-her-heart-even-though-she-resents-it-&-swears-she’s-just-fine-on-her-own-but-she-is-not-and-we-love-her-for-being-both-independent-and-vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/YAOVMHgIGX— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 1, 2019
We also have our first look at Freya Allan as Ciri. Allan is also a newcomer, and will play the princess character, who has close ties to both Geralt and Yennefer. With her blue hood and haunting eyes, she naturally evokes the series’ fantasy elements and looks like a perfect fit.
CIRI IS:
Resilient.
Relentless.
Brazen.
Growing.
Going-to-change-the-world-and-what-the-hell-is-she-supposed-to-do-except-be-scared-&-bold-&-learn-&-adapt-&-find-a-family-who-can-walk-by-her-side-no-matter-what-and-maybe-just-maybe-teach-her-the-meaning-of-love. @witchernetflix pic.twitter.com/hEgEVvwfSL— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) July 1, 2019
Netflix has also released a new image of Cavill’s Geralt on his horse, Roach. In the books, Roach is the name Geralt gives to any horse he rides, while in the games, Roach is a very specific horse. We have a feeling the show might stick with the specific horse thing given the release of this image.
The Witcher will have a panel in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con this year, with a panel hosted by Community’s Yvette Nicole Brown at 2:15 p.m. on July 19. Cavill, Charlotra, and Allan will be in attendance, along with showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich. Here’s a brief synopsis of the series:
Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.
We can’t wait to learn more about this show and hopefully see more footage during the Hall H presentation. Stay tuned to Nerdist for more news about The Witcher as it becomes available.
Images: Netflix