Netflix announced that it was developing a live-action adaptation of The Witcher almost a year ago. Since then, the online streaming giant has kept information about the series carefully under wraps, but a series of tweets has now shed some light on their plans.
Tweeting after a Netflix event in Rome, Lauren Hissrich, the series’ showrunner and writer, revealed some choice details to fans. The first question she addressed was that of the show’s length. With the series set to be a major investment by Netflix, fans have been clamoring to know how many episodes they can expect.
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
Presuming that Netflix is looking at the structure of other successful fantasy shows like Game of Thrones, a total of eight episodes would make sense. As the franchise’s only forays onto television have been in Poland, it is understandable that Netflix would be cautious with their investment.
Hissrich’s following tweets give a rough answer to perhaps the most important question; when the series will be released.
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
While waiting another two years may be disappointing to some, most fans of the game will probably agree with Hissrich. As she says, a finished pilot script is a far cry from the final product. Nobody would be happy to see it release rushed or unpolished.
ANYTHING ELSE? I'm here. (And no, we haven't cast yet. Don't even try.) ♥️
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) April 20, 2018
Hissrich’s final reveal concerns the series’ location shooting. Anybody who has played a Witcher title will know how integral the game’s Slavic setting is. While it comes as no surprise that Netflix plans to shoot in Eastern Europe, it is still encouraging to learn that those creating it appreciate the franchise’s Polish roots.
Fans of The Witcher certainly have plenty to look forward to over the coming months; there is already widespread speculation among fans as to who Netflix will cast. Indeed, it may not be long before those hotly-anticipated casting announcements are made if the pilot script is already written.