Netflix's prequel series, The Witcher: Blood Origin, still has a ways to go when it comes to casting. The upcoming series has been searching far and wide, even reaching out to big names for some of its characters.
Redanian Intelligence recently reported that Netflix reached out to the likes of Pierce Brosnan, Djimon Hounsou, and Hiroyuki Sanada for the role of Chief Druid Balor. Not much is known about the character other than the fact that he is set to appear in all six episodes of the series. All three of the mentioned actors ultimately passed on the role, but it is evident that Netflix is searching for an established actor.
The Witcher: Blood Origin previously announced Jodie Turner-Smith as Éile and Laurence O'Fuarain as Fjall, the two main characters. However, Turner-Smith later confirmed that she had left the project due to scheduling conflicts. A replacement for the role has not yet been announced.
Though details concerning the series' other characters have been scarce, audition tapes circulating the Internet hinted at royalty, scientists and more, with audition scripts -- though unlikely to be used in filming -- suggesting infighting between those of royal blood and offered a glimpse at an elven genius named Salliche, responsible for creating war machines.
the series has also cast Australian actor Jacob Collins-Levy as Eredin Bréacc Glas, better known as King of the Wild Hunt. The character, who appeared as the central antagonist in CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is also set to appear in Season 2 of Netflix's main Witcher series.
The upcoming Netflix series is set 1,200 years prior to the events of the The Witcher series, in the aftermath of the cataclysmic event known, in Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, as the Conjunction of the Spheres. The six-part live-action series helmed by The Witcher writer Declan de Barra, while Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich will serve as executive producer.
It is expected that Netflix will reveal more details about the upcoming series at WitcherCon, which the streaming giant is hosting alongside CD Projekt Red. WitcherCon will be available for viewing on both Twitch and YouTube and is set to air on July 9 at 7:00 PM CEST.
The Witcher stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Ciri and Joey Batey as Jaskier. Season 1 is now available on Netflix.
Source: Redanian Intelligence