Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of The Witcher is one of the most hotly anticipated shows of the year. For many, it will supply the much-needed fix of fantasy TV that has been missing since Game of Thrones ended. Set to release in December, the show has got many fans chomping at the bit.
While reviews are technically embargoed until December 20th, the same day the series releases, some journalists have received advanced screenings. While they are not yet able to share their full thoughts, what they have said so far is extremely promising .
When images first dropped of the series’ main character, some people were skeptical. To many fans of the game, the casting of Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia was a bit suspect. Many just couldn’t see him as their favorite monster slayer.
It seems like those fears can now be put to rest. One element that seems to be unanimously praised is the performance and casting of the series’ principal cast. And notably, Anya Chalotra (Yennefer) has been almost as highly lauded as Cavill himself.
Although little can be revealed about the story, there was some vague discussion about the structure on Reddit. It seems as if the plot will have three threads – one each for Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer.
Even more exciting is the fight scene choreography, which one journalist said makes the Game of Thrones fights look terrible.
https://twitter.com/wWarstu/status/1198156081291309056?s=20
While many of the reviewers seem pleased so far, fans can be tougher to sway . That’s especially true because the series is supposed to track more closely to the books than the AAA video game franchise.
Still, initial reactions to the screener teasers for The Witcher have been mostly positive. Some commenters were pleased to hear how well the fighting had been choreographed. But there were some who seemed displeased that Geralt wasn’t based closely enough on the books, including one commenter who accused the character of being “another broody, bad*ss protagonist.”
At this point, we just need to wait until December 20th when the embargo lifts and judge for ourselves.