With an increase in details and script updates for Netflix‘s take on ‘The Witcher,’ many of us were hoping that the series may launch in 2019. Sadly, that isn’t meant to be. We’ve just learned from writer and executive producer Lauren S. Hissrich that while production is moving forward, the series won’t be ready to drop until 2020. Not only that, but the first season is going to be closer in length to ‘Stranger Things‘ in that we’ll only be getting eight episodes to be introduced to the fantasy world which Andrzej Sapkowski created in 1992.
Hissrich has been doing a great job at sharing updates on the film though things got quiet in January. There aren’t many new pieces of information here but they are all key nuggets that you’ll want to take a look at! On the writing front, it also seems as if the script is ready for rewrites before going to the next level.
Here is what she most recently shared:
Happy Friday! So much information coming out of the @netflix event in Rome. I’m told by my friends and colleagues that the level of excitement and anticipation for #Witcher was crazy! Let’s sort through it…
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
EIGHT EPISODES. Yes! I know, I know, it may not seem like enough for you, but creatively, it’s the right call. The episodes can be tight, action-packed, rich in character and story, without lagging in the middle of the season. Sounds good to me, sound good to you?
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
2020. Who knows?! We’re moving quickly ahead with everything — like, my head is spinning around Exorcist-style, except with enthusiasm, not evil possession — but one thing is certain: quality comes before speed. You’ll get it as soon as humanly possible, and it’ll be good.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
THE SCRIPT NEEDS POLISHED. I’d take a step back from that to say: the scripts need WRITTEN. I’ve finished the pilot, which yes, will be polished more when we cast/shoot. The other 7 episodes don’t yet exist, except in my head. And guess what? New writers are joining me soon, too!
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
WE’LL BE SHOOTING IN EASTERN EUROPE. Yes! This show couldn’t exist anyplace else. Period. Also, I just spent ten days surrounded by Slavic eye-candy. I MUST come back, soon.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
ANYTHING ELSE? I’m here. (And no, we haven’t cast yet. Don’t even try.) ♥️
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
With the release date in 2020, it isn’t that big of a surprise that no casting decision has been made yet though it is likely something which will be explored and start to be announced over the next six months.
As to what story might be adapted, she wasn’t willing to spill the beans:
Ooh. One of the other producers said that S1 would be based on The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny (which makes sense). Is that accurate? 8 episodes for 13 stories suggests this won’t be 1:1 adaptation.
— Adam Whitehead (@Werthead) April 20, 2018
Hmmm… I haven’t confirmed that yet, that’s for sure.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 21, 2018
It was a valiant effort, but we still won’t be seeing any plot details quite yet.
Are you excited that Netflix is moving forward with ‘The Witcher’? Were you hoping that we’d have a chance to watch the series in 2019 instead of 2020? Share your thoughts below!
