Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich has made it clear over the past year that it was her desire that the upcoming Netflix adaptation of The Witcher remain as true to Andrzej Sapkowski's novel series as possible. However, in late 2018, the casting of British actor Wilson Radjou-Pujalte revealed that the show would be introducing a new character, Dara, who was not present in Sapkowski's original story.Details about the character were unavailable to the franchise's eager fanbase, until now. Hissrich and actress Freya Allan, who plays Ciri in the series, recently attended the Witcher panel at MCM Comic-Con in London, where they explained who Dara is and why he was necessary.The character was needed for Ciri in particular. Hissrich reportedly stated, "Dara isn't present in the books. Ciri's journey this season is she's on the run." She then elaborated, "There was a version without Dara, we needed someone for her to talk to and mirror her experiences." Allan then expanded on the description of the new character, "Dara is a very crucial part of Ciri's story... He is the main source for her different perspective and view point," adding, "He's vital at keeping her going and they make a team."
In Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, Ciri spends much of her time alone and on the run following the destruction of her home city of Cintra, an event that is partially described in Blood of Elves. The upcoming series will purportedly adapt these events. Fans should keep in mind that where a novel as a storytelling medium provides the means for insight into a lone character, a live-action series presents certain challenges, evidently necessitating a brand new character at times.
The Witcher stars Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Ciri and Joey Batey as Jaskier. The series will be available to stream on Netflix this December.