One of the biggest criticisms Netflix's The Witcher has faced from a vocal number of fans is that it has deviated heavily from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels. Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich recently assured that the next season will follow the novels closely and will be a nearly "one-to-one" adaptation.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Hissrich explained, "What is so interesting is that season 3, to me, is the closest thing that we've done as a one-to-one adaptation of the books." She added, "Obviously, we can't do every page, but Time of Contempt gave us so many big action events, plot points, defining character moments, huge reveals of a big bad. There's so much to do that we were able to stick really, really closely with the books."
Adapting The Witcher
The showrunner has explained in the past that one of the biggest issues with adapting Blood of Elves (translated to English by Danusia Stok) was that the novels did not offer much in the way of action and that there was largely walking and talking, which led to characters made exclusively for the show, such as Voleth Meir. Hissrich previously stated, "Blood of Elves... was terrifying to me in terms of adaptation... Because it's a book that's a lot about character relationships and character movements, but not a lot of forward propelling action."
Time of Contempt (Translated to English by David French) continues Ciri's journey and sees the young Cintran princess study magic under the guidance of Yennefer of Vengerberg. Similarly, the Season 3 synopsis, which was released when the show began filming, teased Ciri and Yen will venture to Aretuza to further the princess' training, where they will encounter political corruption, magical corruption and treachery.
Henry Cavill's Exit
But much of the conversation surrounding the next season has centered on actor Henry Cavill, whose final appearance as Geralt of Rivia will be in Season 3. The role will be played by Liam Hemsworth from Season 4 onwards. Neither Cavill nor Netflix has made the reason for the change public, though reports suggest the actor did not agree with the creative direction of the show and disagreed with the show's producers, who considered recasting back when Season 2 was in post-production.
Hissrich recently assured that there will be a discussion about Cavill, though she will not divulge specific details. "I do have a lot to say and I think that there's a lot of, you know… we'll obviously never get into exactly why Henry left, all of the reasons, but I can say it's been a mutually respectful relationship… So please, please, please come back in six months when we can talk," she said.
The Witcher Season 3 is set to be released in the summer of 2023.
Source: EW