The Witcher is a fantasy drama television series created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich for Netflix. It is based on the book series of the same name by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. Set on a fictional, medieval-inspired landmass known as the Continent, The Witcher explores the legend of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg and Princess Ciri. It stars Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan.
The first season, consisting of eight episodes, was released on Netflix on December 20, 2019. It was based on The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny, which are collections of short stories that precede the main The Witcher saga. The second season, also consisting of eight episodes and based on the novel Blood of Elves, was released on December 17, 2021. In September 2021, Netflix renewed the series for a third season, which also consists of eight episodes, released in two volumes on June 29 and July 27, 2023. This will be followed by a fourth season, with Liam Hemsworth taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia.
An animated origin story film, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, was released on August 23, 2021. A prequel miniseries, The Witcher: Blood Origin, was released on December 25, 2022.
Synopsis
The story begins with Geralt of Rivia, Crown Princess Ciri of Cintra, and the quarter-elf sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg at different points in time, exploring formative events that shape their characters throughout the first season, before eventually merging into a single timeline.
Geralt and Ciri are linked by destiny since before she was born when he unknowingly demanded her as a reward for his services by invoking "the Law of Surprise". After the two finally meet, Geralt becomes the princess's protector and must help her and fight against her various pursuers to prevent her Elder Blood and powerful magic from being used for malevolent purposes and keep Ciri and their world safe.
Cast and characters
Main
Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster hunter known as a "witcher". Cintran princess Ciri is his "destiny". Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, a quarter-elf sorceress. Freya Allan as Ciri, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, the crown princess of Cintra, granddaughter of Queen Calanthe and daughter of Pavetta, from whom she inherited the Elder Blood. She is linked to Geralt by destiny. Eamon Farren as Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach, nicknamed the "Black Knight", a Nilfgaardian army commander who leads the invasion of Cintra and the hunt for Cirilla. Joey Batey as Jaskier, a traveling bard who befriends Geralt and accompanies him on his path. MyAnna Buring as Tissaia de Vries (seasons 1–3), mentor to Yennefer and the Rectrix of Aretuza, a training academy for female mages. Mimî M. Khayisa as Fringilla Vigo, a sorceress who trained alongside Yennefer. She eventually leads the Nilfgaardian invasion alongside Cahir. Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold, a sorceress, the court mage of Temeria and advisor to King Foltest. Royce Pierreson as Istredd, an adept sorcerer and historian who befriends Yennefer at Aretuza. Wilson Mbomio as Dara, a refugee elf boy whom Cirilla befriends after the Slaughter of Cintra. Mahesh Jadu as Vilgefortz of Roggeveen, a charismatic sorcerer who rallies the northern mages to halt the invading Nilfgaardian army in Sodden. He later becomes the leader of the Brotherhood of Mages. Tom Canton as Filavandrel (seasons 2–3; guest season 1), former king of the elves and Francesca's husband. Mecia Simson as Francesca Findabair (seasons 2–present), an elven sorceress, the current queen of the elves, and Filavandrel's wife who has made it her mission to lead her people into freedom and independence. Kim Bodnia as Vesemir (season 2), the oldest living witcher and Geralt's mentor and father figure. Theo James has a vocal cameo in Season 1 as a young Vesemir. He reprises his role in the animated prequel film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf. Graham McTavish as Sigismund Dijkstra (season 3; recurring season 2), head of the Redanian Intelligence and ally of Philippa Eilhart. McTavish also voiced Deglan in the animated prequel Nightmare of the Wolf. Cassie Clare as Philippa Eilhart (season 3; guest season 2), the shapeshifting court sorceress of King Vizimir of Redania as well as Dijkstra's partner in crime. She has close ties to the Brotherhood. Hugh Skinner as Prince Radovid (season 3), the prince of Redania and Philippa Eilhart's ally. Bart Edwards as Duny, the "Urcheon of Erlenwald" / Emperor Emhyr var Emreis ("The White Flame") (season 3; guest seasons 1–2), Pavetta's lover, once afflicted by a curse that transformed him into a hedgehog man until midnight.