The Witcher Season 2 First Look Is Everything Fans Hoped For
"The Witcher" may be but one among a number of fantasy series released in the wake of "Game of Thrones," but it sets itself apart due to its uniquely multifaceted source material. "The Witcher" was first a series of books by author Andrzej Sapkowski, but prior to its Netflix adaptation, it became more well-known as a video game franchise inspired by Sapkowski's writing. The third entry in the "Witcher" video game series was so successful, in fact, that Sapkowski himself noted ways in which the video game's popularity began to overshadow that of his books (via Player.one).
Netflix's "The Witcher" is, first and foremost, based on Sapkowski's writing. That said, the series often includes references to the "Witcher" video games — including a recreation of the bathtub scene from "Witcher 3" video game expansion "Wild Hunt."
"Witcher" fans, as such, are a varied bunch. Fans of the "Witcher" Netflix series may have first become familiar with "The Witcher" in book form, as a series of video games, or even through another adaptation like the 2002 Polish TV series "The Hexer." All that to say, the expected 2021 release of "The Witcher" Season 2 is currently being anticipated by longtime "Witcher" devotees and those introduced to the franchise by the Netflix series alike. Fans of Netflix's "The Witcher" got their first look at Season 2 during Netflix's virtual Geeked Week event, during which the streaming service released its first teaser for the upcoming "Witcher" season.
Ciri's back
Netflix's new teaser for "The Witcher" Season 2 focuses solely on Ciri (Freya Allan), one of the show's three protagonists. Ciri is a princess on the run, the kingdom to which she is heir destroyed by the evil kingdom of Nilfgaard. During her journey, Ciri becomes increasingly aware that she possesses magical powers. Not only does Ciri carry latent strength, but she's tied to co-protagonist Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) through destiny in a manner touched upon but not elucidated fully by the series thus far. Ciri also opens the trailer by saying "I need to understand." Another voice simply responds, "Danger." Ciri then cries out "No! Geralt!" at which a third party maniacally laughs.
In Netflix's new teaser, glimpses of Ciri are interspersed with brief flashes of swords, a castle hallway, and other vague symbols. These scenes appear to be either moments from Ciri's journey in "The Witcher" Season 2 or visions Ciri herself is seeing. Netflix Geeked put out a Twitter thread explaining some of these symbols. For example, early on the trailer showcases the crest of Cintra on Ciri's cloak. The pair of swords, meanwhile, are in Kaer Morhen, which is something of a home base for the monster-hunting Witchers — and somewhere Ciri will presumably end up.
In total, the trailer runs for 12 seconds and doesn't provide any concrete plot or release details about the series' upcoming season outside of its flashing images. Also as part of their Geeked Week event, Netflix announced that it will be co-hosting WitcherCon on July 9. More details about the upcoming "Witcher" Season 2 will likely be revealed during that event.