In 2019, Netflix finally released one of the most anticipated productions, the series "The Witcher“, which is inspired by the game and book franchise of the same name. The story follows Geralt of Rivia, a bounty hunter who works across the continent, killing evil creatures in exchange for payment. He possesses superhuman abilities gained from his years of training.
The plot is based on the first two books of The Witcher, a collection of 13 short stories, which tell independent stories starring Geralt. So the first season adapts nine of them, in an attempt to put them in chronological order, with various time jumps.
Content Index
Difference between the books and the series?
Unlike the books, in the series, the role is divided between Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri. The arc of the characters alternates throughout the episodes, taking place in three different timelines. The first in the present, following Ciri's search for the wizard, the second in the past, showing Geralt in the tales. Finally, the third that shows Yennefer's story in a more distant past, which is not in the books.
Time jumps do not happen in the same way in the three narratives, that is, some may have a bigger jump than the other. Therefore, Yennefer's plot has a time jump to catch up with Geralt.
What is a Witcher?
A witch is someone who has undergone extensive training, with mysterious rituals to become monster-slaying travelers for reward. They are taken as children to schools, where they are subjected to intense alchemical processes, the consumption of mutagens and subjected to incessant physical and magical training.
These procedures increase strength, reflexes, stamina, and speed. This allows them to withstand blows that would wipe out a normal man and escape situations that would cause inhuman harm.
Also, the lifespan of wizards is incredibly long. They can live for centuries and only reach middle age if they are lucky enough to survive long enough in their profession.
Where is The Witcher series set?
The Witcher is set in a land known as The Continent, where a catastrophe happened that completely changed the place. There was a multiversal destruction that ripped holes in reality. In this way, it brought monsters and other creatures to the Continent.
In order to preserve the Slavic identity, the series was filmed entirely in Europe. Much of the production took place in Eastern European cities such as Budapest, Hungary and Central European cities such as Poland.
While other environments, of course, were built on the computer. Like the Witches' abode in Kaer Morhen. Filming took place between June 2018 and concluded in March 2019.
Season Two Confirmed!
With the second season already confirmed, production on The Witcher had to be paused due to the pandemic. According to showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich, this season will feature new characters like Vesemir, Geralt of Rivia's witcher mentor. Production is scheduled to resume on August 17. It is worth noting that a cast member, Kristofer Hivju, was infected by the Coronavirus.
Text: Joyce Cristina | Review: Blender Barbosa
If you like The Witcher series, çalso check out: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – Season 3 on Netflix
