Netflix has released a ton of newThe WitcherSeason 2 details, including the full cast list, what characters will appear in the new season, and when the new season will debut on the streaming service.The Witcheris, of course, the fantasy TV series starringHenry Cavillas the titular Witcher. It’s based on a series of books that were then adapted into a video game franchise, and while there are shades ofLord of the Ringsthroughout, in toneThe WItchermore closely resembles the Syfy seriesThe Magicians. It’s silly and sexy and extremely NSFW, and while it takes its fantasy aspects seriously, it doesn’t takeitselftoo seriously.
That’s part of its charm, and why it became an unlikely hit when it debuted on Netflix in December. Memes aplenty made the rounds as people couldn’t get enough of that catchy “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” song or scenes where Cavill broods shirtless (there area lotof those).
All of this to say, anticipation forThe WitcherSeason 2 is high, but we’ll have to wait. Netflix announced today that filming on the second season is underway in the UK, but theWitcherSeason 2 release date won’t be before 2021. Indeed, you can expect the eight-episode second season to premiere on the streaming service sometimenextyear, which makes sense given the intense visual effects that are needed to be completed after a grueling production schedule.
Returning to the cast for season two are Cavill who leads the cast ofThe Witchersaga, playing the role of Geralt of Rivia.Anya Chalotra(The ABC Murders, Wanderlust)returns as the sorceress Yennefer,Freya Allan(Third Day, Gunpowder Milkshake)as Ciri andJoey Batey(Knightfall, Strike)as fan-favorite Jaskier.
Netflix also confirmed rumors thatGame of ThronesalumKristofer Hivju(aka Tormund) is joining the ensemble, revealing he’ll be playing the character of Nivellen. Other new cast members forThe WitcherSeason 2 includeYasen Atour(Young Wallender)as Coen,Agnes Bornas Vereena,Paul Bullion(Peaky Blinders)as Lambert,Thue Ersted Rasmussen(Fast and Furious 9)as Eskel,Aisha Fabienne Ross(The Danish Girl)as Lydia, and recent graduateMecia Simson, as Francesca.
The streaming service also revealed the directors for the second season:Stephen Surjik(Umbrella Academy) will direct 201 and 202,Sarah O’Gorman(Cursed)is helming episodes 203 and 204,Ed Bazalgette(The Last Kingdom)is directing episodes 205 and 208, andGeeta Patel(Meet The Patels)takes the helm for episodes 206 and 207. That makes zero returning directors from Season 1, butLauren Schmidt Hissrichremains onboard as showrunner and executive producer, and she released this statement about Season 2:
“The reaction to season one of The Witcher set a high bar for adding new talent for the second season. Sophie Holland and her casting team have once again found the very best people to embody these characters, and in the hands of these accomplished directors, we’re excited to see these new stories come to life.”
Other returning cast includeMyAnna Buring(Kill List)as Tissaia,Tom Canton(Good Karma Hospital)as Filavandrel,Lilly Cooper(Peterloo)as Murta,Jeremy Crawford(Titans)as Yarpin Zigrin,Eamon Farren(Twin Peaks)as Cahir,Mahesh Jadu(Marco Polo)as Vilgefortz,Terence Maynard(Cursed)as Artorius,Lars Mikkelson(House of Cards)as Stregobor,Mimi Ndiweni(Black Earth Rising)as Fringilla Vigo,Royce Pierreson(Judy)as Istredd,Wilson Radjou-Pujalte(Hunter Street)as Dara,Anna Shaffer(Harry Potter)as Triss Merigold,Therica Wilson Read(Young Wallender)as Sabrina.
So toss a coin to your witcher and fire up Season 1 for a rewatch or two this year. It’s gonna be a long wait.
For a full rundown of the show’s timeline,click here. And for a recap of the existing cast and characters,check out our breakdown.
