Production on Season 2 of The Witcher was forced to come to a halt on Nov. 7 due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, after less than two weeks, it has been reported that filming has resumed.

Redanian Intelligence reported that cast and crew had returned to work on the set of The Witcher at Arborfield Studios in Surrey, United Kingdom, for at least one night shoot. It should be noted that it is currently unknown if the central cast members were present for filming.

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The most recent hiatus came after four members of production tested positive for COVID-19. None of the main cast members were among them. They were placed in isolation and Netflix provided assurances that filming would be allowed to continue once the streamer had ensured it was safe to do so. This is the second coronavirus-related hiatus the project has experienced.

Filming originally began in February but was forced to shut down in mid-March in the wake of the pandemic. Actor Kristofer Hivju, who is set to play Nivellen in the upcoming season, was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 shortly afterward. The actor has since recovered. Following several months in shutdown, production resumed in August with completion scheduled for February 2021. It is currently uncertain how the latest hiatus will affect the production schedule, if at all.

The initial shutdown forced substantial changes to be made to production, resulting in a lengthened filming schedule, possibly due to the implementation of health and safety protocols such as frequent sterilization of the set, separation of different departments, the use of personal protective equipment and more, all necessitated by guidelines provided by the UK government. The filming schedule, which originally spanned six months, was extended to eight. As a consequence of the rescheduling, actor Rue Rasmussen -- who was originally set to play Eskel -- was forced to leave the role. His part was recast with actor Basil Eidenbenz.

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The Witcher Season 2 has been filmed across the United Kingdom. Both official stills and leaked photos from the set have suggested that the upcoming series will adapt Andrzej Sapkowski's Blood of Elves, albeit with significant changes to certain characters and plot points. Additionally, photos have revealed that Season 2 will feature changes to character designs, such as the controversial Nilfgaardian armor worn by Cahir and other soldiers from the empire.

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