The Witcher is a Netflix Original series that first aired in December of 2019. The show follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter whose physical powers have been enhanced by magic, as he battles creatures from Slavic mythology and foreign invaders.
Originally written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, season one follows several short storie, written before the Witcher book series. It explores the events that shape the lives of Geralt, whose destiny is to find and protect Princess Ciri, whose destiny is to put up with Geralt, and Yennefer, a part elf sorceress. They all come together at the end of the season.
For fans of the show, it’s been quite a long wait. Here’s everything we know about The Witcher season two. Ex-Superman, Henry Cavil, is almost unrecognizable as Geralt, Freya Allan is Princess Cirilla or Ciri, and sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg is played convincingly by Anya Chalotra. This is all under the creative eye of showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich.
10 When Is The Second Season Going To Air?
As promised back in 2019, a new season has been taking shape. On April 2, 2021, the official Netflix Twitter account announced that the show had finished filming the eight new episodes for season two. Netflix’s CEO and Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, later confirmed the show's second season will be released on Netflix sometime between October and December of 2021.
9 Do We Lose Anyone From Season One?
No. Everyone alive at the end of season one is still in play. The only cast member to leave is Thue Rasmussen, who was cast as Eskel in season two. However, the reason is because of scheduling problems caused by the coronavirus delays. Actor Basil Eidenbenz will replace Rasmussen. A familiar face from the Netflix Original Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh appears as the priestess Nenneke, a mother figure to Geralt and his sidekick Jaskier. Many other new castmates will also appear throughout the show.
8 What About The Timeline?
Unlike the first season, season two will most likely not have a jumbled timeline. Since season one was based on short stories written before the creation of the book series. The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny, were mainly the backgrounds of the characters and how they came to be who they are. Season two will likely have a more streamlined time order. Season 2 picks up after the Battle of Sodden.
7 What Is The Plot For This Season?
Netflix released a synopsis on the upcoming season that stated, “Convinced Yennefer’s life was lost at the Battle of Sodden, Geralt of Rivia brings Princess Cirilla to the safest place he knows, his childhood home of Kaer Morhen. While the Continent’s kings, elves, humans and demons strive for supremacy outside its walls, he must protect the girl from something far more dangerous: the mysterious power she possesses inside.” The season appears to be starting with the first full novel, Blood of Elves.
6 Who Will Be Directing Season Two?
Ed Bazalgette is a BAFTA-nominated director and is familiar with books on film, having directed programs such as Doctor Who, and the popular Poldark. Sarah O'Gorman will be returning as a director for season two. Known for his work on various other Netflix shows such as The Umbrella Academy and Jessica Jones, Stephen Surjik will also be joining the show’s director team. The final director has also been decided. The show welcomes Geeta Patel, a well-versed director known for shows such as Meet the Patels.
5 Where Has Season Two Been Shooting?
The entire season has been shot in the United Kingdom, with as many as 1200 crew members working on the project at one time or another. There were 15 locations used throughout the country, with as many as three crews all working on the same day at different spots. With 89 cast members, it was a lot for show creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich to keep track of. After 158 days of shooting and being shut down twice because of the Coronavirus, production finished April 1, 2021.
4 A Curse For Season 2
Season two will introduce us to a new face, Nivellen, played by Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju. Nivellen plays a man who had been the leader of a group of cutthroats and thieves. During a temple robbery, Nivellen’s rapes the young priestess. Before she dies, she curses Nivellen with becoming “a monster in a monster’s skin” rather than simply a “monster in a man’s skin.”
3 Our Hero Gets Some New Clothes
With the new season comes some new clothes for our hero Geralt. So far as we know, there is no explanation for the new armor but perhaps just being home at Kaer Morhen inspires him to tidy up a bit and look stealthier. If you recall the first armor, it has a lot of hardware and shiny parts. The new outfit also has some nice abs carved in, the better to remind everyone of Cavil’s considerable musculature.
2 More Witchers To Come
Season two brings us more Witchers to watch. Lambert, who is played by Paul Bullion of Peaky Blinders, is a young, impatient and ill-mannered Witcher. However, he will play a big role in Ciri’s life, as he is chosen to train her for combat. Another Witcher is Eskel, a long-time friend of Geralt. His personality is the opposite of Lambert’s as he is calm, patient and reasonable. He is played by Basil Eldenbenz, and he also has a hand in training Ciri.
1 Geralt’s Father Figure Appears
Kim Bodnia joins the cast as Vesemir. He is a mentor and father figure to Geralt as he is the oldest Witcher and a survivor of the Kaer Morhen Massacre. The massacre almost succeeded in killing every Witcher. The character description defines him as seeing his community of Witchers as endangered but who can find magnificence in "the Path" and killing monsters. He is severely protective of his people and their traditions.