The Witcher Season 3
The Witcher franchise is expanding rapidly with a variety of new projects and spinoffs, but fans remain most excited about the flagship show starring Henry Cavill. With season two already out, Netflix has confirmed not only a third season but also a fourth, albeit with a major casting change. Let’s dive into what we know about The Witcher season three and beyond.
The Witcher Season 3 Release Date: Summer 2023
Though an exact date is yet to be announced, Henry Cavill has confirmed that season three will air in the summer of 2023, sometime between June and September. The show’s executive producer, Steve Gaub, also revealed that shooting for the season has officially wrapped up.
A Familiar Cast and New Additions
Henry Cavill will return as Geralt for season three, alongside familiar faces such as Freya Allan (Ciri), Anya Chalotra (Yennefer), Joey Batey (Jaskier), Royce Pierreson (Istredd), Anna Shaffer (Triss Merigold), and Kim Bodnia (Vesemir). However, Netflix announced a surprising casting change for season four: Liam Hemsworth will replace Cavill as Geralt. It’s currently unknown why Cavill is stepping away from the role, but his departure does not seem to affect season three significantly.
New Characters and Returning Favorites
Season three will introduce new characters, including Robbie Amell as Gallatin, Meng’er Zhang as Milva, Hugh Skinner as Prince Radovid, and Christell Elwin as Mistle. LGBTQ+ representation will also increase with the character Philippa Eilhart, played by Cassie Clare, having a more prominent role. Showrunner Lauren S Hissrich has hinted at further exploration of Ciri’s sexuality in upcoming seasons.
Behind the Scenes Updates
Directors for season three include Loni Peristere (American Horror Story), Bola Ogun (Lucifer), Stephen Surjik (The Umbrella Academy), and Gandja Monteiro (Brand New Cherry Flavour). Production had to pause briefly in 2022 due to Cavill contracting Covid-19, but filming resumed shortly after and has now concluded.
What to Expect in The Witcher Season 3
Showrunner Lauren Hissrich has described season three as the closest adaptation of the books so far. Fans can expect more major action events, plot points, character moments, and big reveals. As season three wraps up Geralt’s story with Cavill, it will be interesting to see how the series will transition to Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of Geralt in season four. With the franchise expanding and more stories to be told, The Witcher’s world continues to grow, providing fans with even more adventures in the Continent.
The Witcher Season 3 Plot: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Chaos
Ciri’s Destiny Unfolds
Season 3 of The Witcher will primarily focus on Ciri’s destiny as a potential world destroyer or savior, depending on how events unfold. With Geralt and Yennefer by her side, Ciri faces numerous forces that seek to manipulate her power, including her once-dead father.
The Time of Contempt Sets the Stage
Showrunner Lauren S Hissrich confirms that Season 3 will be based on The Time of Contempt, the second book in the Witcher saga. In the novel, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri journey to Aretuza, where a coup forces the trio to separate. However, it is important to note that the show’s blueprint may change as it often does when adapting novels to the screen.
Geralt and Yennefer’s Relationship Post-Betrayal
According to Henry Cavill, Geralt and Yennefer’s relationship will be quite different in Season 3 following the betrayal. Both characters will need to undergo significant development and learn to trust one another again.
Ciri’s Transformation into a Skilled Fighter
Freya Allan, who plays Ciri, hopes to see her character become an incredible fighter in the upcoming season. She also reveals that she has had a sneak peek at the Season 3 scripts, which promise an exciting season ahead.
A Glimpse of Death and the Elven Storyline
Hissrich teases that Season 3 will have plenty of action, some death, and further exploration of the elven storyline. This season will introduce the Scoia’tael, an army of elves fighting on behalf of Nilfgaard. Their storyline is expected to be harsh and dark.
A Condensed Timeline and the Battle Between Good and Evil
Season 3 will take place over a much shorter timeline, as the events in The Time of Contempt happen relatively quickly. The lines between heroes and villains will blur even further as characters struggle to determine what is right and wrong.
The Witcher’s Endgame and the Introduction of a New Roach
Hissrich plans to end the show in line with Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. Season 3 will also see the introduction of a new Roach, Geralt’s beloved horse, following the tragic death of the previous one in Season 2.
Exciting Visual Effects and New Creatures Await
VFX supervisor Sébastien Francoeur and producer Graeme Marshall tease some incredible visual effects and the introduction of new creatures in the upcoming season. Fans can expect a shorter sequence with an interesting creature and a longer one with a much larger, awe-inspiring creature.
The Witcher Season 3 Episodes: What to Expect
Anticipating the Number of Episodes
While Netflix has not yet revealed the exact number of episodes for The Witcher Season 3, fans can reasonably expect a similar count to the first two seasons. Both previous seasons consisted of eight episodes each, but considering the ever-expanding Witcherverse, it’s possible that Season 3 might extend to ten episodes, bringing more excitement to fans.
Impressive Viewing Stats for The Witcher
The Witcher has proven to be a massive success for Netflix. Season 2 garnered a staggering 142.4 million viewing hours within the first three days of its release. These impressive numbers show that there is a strong demand for the show, which could justify an extended season with additional episodes.
Awaiting The Witcher Season 3 Trailer
Currently, no trailer is available for The Witcher Season 3. However, fans can rest assured that as soon as Netflix releases any footage, it will be shared here for everyone to enjoy. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on the adventures of Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer by streaming the first two seasons of The Witcher on Netflix.
