Based on the book series of the same name by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, Netflix’s The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a magical monster hunter who traverses a medieval-inspired world, fighting all manner of creepy mythical creatures. In addition to Geralt, Season 1 introduced viewers to quarter-elf sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Ciri (Freya Allen), a princess with magical powers.
What Happened in The Witcher Season 1?
Season 1 of The Witcher introduces the protagonists in three different timelines: In 1206, Yennefer is training as a sorceress under Tissaia de Vries; in 1231, Geralt is battling outlaws when he learns of a girl in the woods who will be his destiny; and in 1263, the young Princess Cirilla/Ciri flees the kingdom of Cintra as Nilfgaardian forces invade. As the storylines gradually converge, a tentative romance between Geralt and Yennefer blossoms, while Ciri confronts her considerable magical powers as she evades the Nilfgaardians.
Once it becomes clear that Ciri is the prophesied girl in the woods and Geralt’s destiny, the narrative threads hasten toward the eventual meeting of the witcher and princess -- and also a climactic clash with the Nilfgaardians. After a brutal, magic-infused battle at Sodden Hill -- and a series of star-crossed almost-encounters -- Geralt and Ciri finally meet in the Season 1 finale; however, the fate of Yennefer, who was last seen conjuring a fearsome blaze, remains uncertain.
What's the Story Going into The Witcher Season 2?
Primarily adapting the Blood of Elves and Time of Contempt novels, Season 2 promises to take viewers to Kaer Morhen, a training ground for witchers and Geralt’s childhood home. Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich also teased that the series will explore more of Geralt and Ciri's relationship than the novels.
Netflix has released an official synopsis that gives fans a taste of what they can expect in the upcoming episodes:
Convinced Yennefer's life was lost at the Battle of Sodden, Geralt of Rivia brings Princess Cirilla to the safest place he knows, his childhood home of Kaer Morhen. While the Continent's kings, elves, humans and demons strive for supremacy outside its walls, he must protect the girl from something far more dangerous: the mysterious power she possesses inside.
In addition to that plot synopsis, photos from The Witcher Season 2 have teased the The Wild Hunt. First introduced in Time of Contempt and based off Scandinavian mythology, the Wild Hunt are wraith-like beings that, in the books, chased Ciri, forcing Yennefer and Geralt to intervene and fight them off. The group and its leader, King Eredin, were the antagonists of CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Who Are The Witcher Season 2's Cast and Crew?
Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allen, Jaskier (Joey Batey), Triss (Anna Shaffer), Cahir (Eamon Farren) and Tissaia (MyAnna Buring) will all return for The Witcher Season 2. They'll be joined by Paul Bullion as Lambert, Tamer Hassan as Deglan, Niamh McCormack as Lara Dorren, Ed Birch as King Vizimir, Sam Hazeldine as Eredin, Graham McTavish as Dijkstra, Cassie Clare as Phillippa Eilhart, Liz Carr as Fenn, Adjoa Andoh as Nenneke, Kevin Doyle as Ba'lian, Simon Callow as Codringher, Chris Fulton as Rience, Kim Bodnia as Vesemir, Kristofer Hivju as Nivellen and more.
Among the directors helming episodes this season are Ed Bazalgette (The Last Kingdom, Doctor Who), Sarah O’Gorman (Jamestown, Cursed) and Stephen Surjik (Daredevil, The Umbrella Academy).
Does The Witcher Season 2 Have a Trailer?
In addition to official images showing Ciri training at witcher stronghold Kaer Morhen, Netflix has released a teaser for The Witcher Season 2. The footage teases the School of the Wolf, an attack on Kaer Morhen and Yennefer's fate.
Filming for The Witcher Season 2 began in April 2020. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, production was stopped until August 2020. After picking back up, filming finally concluded in April 2021, meaning that additional delays are unlikely. The Witcher Season 2 will release on Dec. 17.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.