The upcomingThe Witcherspinoff,The Witcher: Blood Origin, will be a very different beast compared to the main series, says showrunner Declan de Barra. Speaking withTotal Film, de Barra teased how this version of the Witcher will differ from Henry Cavill’s (soon to be Liam Hemsworth’s) more refined version, Geralt, and revealed some of what audiences can expect from the prequel miniseries.
“This is a very different type of Witcher. It is a rough and nasty prototype that’s barely functioning, but you get the idea of how it’s going to be refined later on.”
The Witcher: Blood Originwill take audiences back in time. Set 1,200 years before the events ofThe Witcher, the series will depict the creation of the first Witcher as seven outcasts in the elven world unite in a blood quest against an unstoppable power. The Witcher: Blood Origin will be led by Sophia Brown, Michelle Yeoh, Laurence O’Fuarain, Lenny Henry, and Mirren Mack.
Of course, the series will center on a quest of epic proportions because this is a fantasy tale. And, again, in classic fantasy style, the quest will bring together a band of mismatched wanderers to save the world.
“This is the story of seven vagabonds, warriors, heroes, whatever you want to call them, who honestly hate each other at the beginning. They feel like they shouldn’t be on this quest together and then, as on any good heroes’ journey, they realize they need each other.”
The Witcher: Blood Originwill not have much time to tell such an epic-sounding story, as the series has taken the term ‘miniseries’ to heart and will only last for four episodes. Despite such a quick runtime, Declan de Barra assures us there will be plenty of time forThe Witcher: Blood Originto do what it needs to.
“I love when a show finishes and you go, ‘Holy f–k, it’s over! How did that happen?’ And it is a one-off. I mean, there are characters and storylines in this that can sprawl off in a million different ways, but it was designed to be a self-contained tasty sandwich of a fantasy story.”
Related:Does Netflix’s The Witcher Need More Spinoffs?
The WitcherWill Replace Henry Cavill with Liam Hemsworth for Season 4 Onwards
The main series ofThe Witcherhas been in the headlines a lot lately. And sadly, not for good reasons. For reasons largely known only to those behind the scenes,The Witcherstar Henry Cavillwill step down from the lead role of Geralt of Riviafollowing the third season’s release and make way forThe Hunger Gamesstar Liam Hemsworth.
“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” Cavill said last month in a surprise statement. “In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
The Witcher: Blood Originis scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 15, 2025.
