Not too long ago we presented you the lord of the rings live ation series – that will
possibly air around 2020.
Today we're goin to talk about another fantasy show that currently is being developed for
netflix: The witcher.
You probably know the games; „The Witcher 3“ in particular turned monster hunter geralt
into an icon.
We will now tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming netflix show and its
protagonist geralt.
But be aware that this video will contain spoilers.
You have been warned.
The monster hunter geralt has a more than long and interesting history.
It all began with the novels by polish author Andrzey Sapkowski – and the witchers emergence
was purely coincidental.
Sapkowski used to be a sales represantitive who decided to participate in a short story
competition.
His 30 page contribution told the story of the witcher geralt and won him the third place.
The story was eventually published and raised the interest of several readers.
Thus Sapkowski was more or less forced to continue the story.
Several more short stories were released, in order to flesh out geralts world more thoroughly
and eventually two volumes were published „The Last Wish“ and „The sword of destiny“.
The main plot of geralts saga is summed up within a pentalogy: 5 books that outline his
story.
These short stories and novels are set to be the inspiration for the upcoming netflix
show.
Sapkowski himself will act as a creative advisor which should come to no surprise...as sapkowski
witnessed a television adaptation of his witcher series before – and was not exactly fond
of it.
Back in 2001 a polish film and a 13 episode tv show were released that first introduced
tv viewers to the witcher.
But as mentioned before – Sapkowski was not a fan.
The polish game company CD project red however managed to faithfully adapt the stories of
geralt.
„The Witcher“ was published in 2007, which engendered the sequel „The Witcher 2: Assasins
of Kings“ in 2011 which then was followed up by the hugely successful „The Witcher
3: Wild Hunt“.
CD Project Red exposed the player to a huge world populated by monsters, several dangers
yet beautiful and incredible landscapes, that almost invited the player to stay there.
The games' success is certainly one of the main reasons why the show is being made.
It has however been stated that the show is not going to be a beat by beat adaptation
of the games.
The short stories and novels by Sapkowski are the basis for the series... and the first
scripts have already been written as showrunner lauren shmidt hissrich confirmed on twitter.
The first season is set to consist of 8 episodes – and yet the show won't be able to deny
a connection to the games.
At least one episode is set to be helmed by polish director director tomas baginski.
He will also act as one of the shows producers.
Which is a blessing since he has extensive knowledge on the subject matter.
After all he was responsible for the cutscenes of the witcher games.
Baginski was previously in talks regarding a feature film but now that a tv show is schedules
– this project seems to have been put on hold for now.
For all of you that are not familiar with the books or games we would now like to take
the chance to introduce you to the most important characters of the saga, that have already
been confirmed by showrunner hissrich to appear in the show.
The world of geralt the witcher is a medieval world that features multiple small kingdoms,
principalities but also the huge empire nilfgaard which is is ruled by the autocratic emperor.
The world of nilfgaard is populated by men, monsters and mythical creatures.
Among them dwarfes elves and other ancient beings.
The dwarfs are often depicted as craftsmen and warriors while the elves are being viewed
as inferior, while being simulatenously feared and amired.
This is where the show could adapt the tone of the books, which do no not only have satirical
elements, but touch on serious topics like for example racism.
The witchers are a small group of people who hunt down monsters like contract killers or
mercenaries.
Geralt is one of these witchers and through him the player learns about the harsh reality
of a witchers life.
When Geralt was a child he was brought to the fortress of kaer morhen, where all young
apprentices are being trained.
These trainees are mostly orphans or children of very poor parents.
To qualify as a witcher they must first master the trial of grasses.
A mutation process that is supposed to give the witcher enhanced and supernatural abilities.
Unfortunately only 2 out of 10 younglings tend to make it through the test.
The rest either goes mad or dies.
Geralt made it through this and other ordeals and became a witcher, who eventually was ready
to travel the world as a monster hunter.
His loyal horse roach accompanies him during
all
of his missions.