While anticipation for the next season of Netflix’s rather brutalThe Witcherremains as high as ever, fans can diffuse some of that enthusiasm by also directing it towards the show’s upcoming animated spinoff. As a prequel to the hit series rather than a continuation, some fans might not initially be interested in this new anime-style series, but considering its subject matter and the talent behind it, maybe they would do well to give it a second glance.
WhileThe Witcherfocuses on Henry Cavill’s brooding outcast mutant mercenary (sounds like one heck of aNinja Turtlesspinoff) Geralt of Rivia, the upcoming prequel series titledThe Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolfwill explore the adventures lived by Geralt’s mentor and father figure, Vesemir. According to Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, who created theWitcherseries and serves as showrunner for both the live-action and animated series, this will help viewers not only understand Geralt better, but will also give them a glimpse into how the world got the way it is, and how Vesemir figures into it all.
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“When we meet Geralt inThe Witcherhe is a full adult,” Hissrich explained to Variety, “he’s 100 years old and he’s been living on his own for a very long time. But you’re able to’t help wondering how he learned the things he practices regularly and is going to teach Ciri.” That’s where Vesemir comes in. While he’ll show up in season 2 ofThe Witcherplayed by Danish actor Kim Bodnia, it will be inNightmare of the Wolfwhere his story will truly shine. SinceThe Witcherhas a certain focus on the idea of a found family, learning more about the people who make up Geralt’s closest bonds is sure to help things along.
Season 1 ofThe Witcherfollowed Geraltthrough a series of separate yet interconnected stories throughout his life, all leading up to his encounter with the powerful princess who would become his daughter figure, Ciri. The story shines the most when it explores the excellently written characters and dark, gritty world that make up its intense fantasy setting. From the lovably annoying bard Jaskier to the relentlessly driven sorceress Yennefer, there are plenty of reasons fans kept coming back even with the rather disjointed manner of storytelling.
In addition to Hissrich,The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolfwill also include the original series writer Beau DeMayo, likely giving fans even more reasons to be excited. Meanwhile, Kwang Il Han, who worked in the animation department for bothAvatar: The Last AirbenderandThe Legend of Korra, will direct the series. So that might offer up an idea of what sort of visual style viewers can expect.
The Witchergames captured the hearts of gamers everywhere, and the Netflix series only expanded that influence. So by this point, the folks behind the live-action series and its spinoff undoubtedly have a solid handle on what they want to do and how they can appeal to fans and newcomers alike. This meansseason 2 ofThe Witcheris looking to be just as engaging as the first, and odds areNightmare of the Wolfwill be as enjoyable an experience as all the productions that have come before it. Well, hopefully still a bit more polished than the firstWitchergame, anyway.
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolfis expected to premiere on Netflix in 2021.
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