Followers of Netflix’s collection adaptation of The Witcher simply can not seem to catch a break. They’ve handled a number of controversies previously associated to showrunners deviating from the supply materials, points with story pacing, and its established lead Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) being abruptly recast with Liam Hemsworth after Season 3. Regardless of the repeated disappointment, some viewers have tried to stay optimistic forward of Season 4’s scheduled launch later this yr. Sadly, there’s extra unhealthy information in regards to the franchise’s anticipated spin-offs.
The streaming large has had minor success with a few offshoots, together with the live-action prequel miniseries Blood Origin and the animated darkish fantasy movie Nightmare of the Wolf. Now, its most up-to-date deliberate additions to The Witcher universe are formally useless. The prequel collection The Rats and an untitled kid-friendly animated present have been shelved by Netflix for good. Here is the whole lot we all know in regards to the canceled spin-offs, in addition to what showrunners are planning subsequent.
The Witcher
- Launch Date
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December 20, 2019
- Showrunner
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Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
On the finish of The Witcher‘s third season, followers meet a gaggle of violent misfits referred to as The Rats. Troubled by varied hardships and recreation to kill, its six members aren’t shy on the subject of exhibiting brutality within the face of people that have wronged them. Ciri joins them after making an escape from the Frying Pan (a.ok.a. the Korath desert), marking a brand new, darker chapter in her collection’ journey.
Whereas Ciri’s story will seemingly proceed with them, not less than originally of Season 4, showrunners began creating an offshoot collection referred to as The Rats that was set to additional discover their origin earlier than assembly her. The renegades have been forged with Ben Radcliffe (Giselher), Christlle Elwin (Mistle), Fabian McCallum (Kayleigh), Aggy Okay. Adams (Iskra), Juliette Alexandra (Reef), and Connor Crawford (Asse). Moreover, motion star Dolph Lundgren was set to painting a rogue witcher, Brehen, nicknamed the Cat of Iello.
Whereas Netflix by no means formally acknowledged The Rats prequel, filming for it did start in 2023 in South Africa with director Mairzee Almas, identified for The Sandman and Shadow & Bone. The present then instantly went into post-production, so it appeared like a performed deal. Nevertheless, Redanian Intelligence revealed that showrunners had solely filmed somewhat little bit of what they’d deliberate for the whole collection, and Netflix wasn’t bought. In the long run, the streamer determined to not choose up The Rats, however does intend to make use of a number of the footage inside The Witcher Season 4. So, followers should wait till its premiere later this yr to see whether or not they combine it into the present (seemingly as flashbacks) or scrap it completely.
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An Untitled Animated Collection Has Additionally Been Dropped
Together with The Rats’ cancelation, Netflix seems to have stopped growth on one other anticipated prequel spin-off in The Witcher franchise. Though it was by no means given a reputation, there have been reviews that manufacturing of an animated collection geared in direction of youngsters was additionally within the works. Not a lot else was identified in regards to the supposed present’s premise, and the streamer had but to formally verify it was taking place, not to mention announce its removing from their ongoing tasks.
Nevertheless, Redanian Intelligence additionally famous that the anime Sirens of the Deep would be the final Witcher offshoot created by Netflix. Thus, we will conclude that the children’ present is now not being made. Sadly, it is unlikely that followers will ever discover out what it was presupposed to be about, however with a lot unhealthy luck across the franchise up to now, that is likely to be for the very best.
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What Can Followers Anticipate Subsequent from ‘The Witcher’?
Even with the latest spin-off cancelations, followers of The Witcher nonetheless have lots to look ahead to within the coming years. Season 4 is anticipated to premiere within the latter half of 2025, and its fifth and closing season is already underway with an anticipated wrap in early 2026. Moreover, the franchise’s long-awaited anime Sirens of the Deep is about to make its debut on Feb. 11, 2025. The present follows Geralt as he solves a mysterious battle between people and sea folks after being employed to analyze a number of assaults on a seaside village. It is going to embody most of the unique forged members from The Witcher returning to voice their characters (though Henry Cavill can be changed by Doug Cockle, who voiced Geralt in all of CD Projekt Crimson’s video video games).
Moreover, showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich has confirmed that she’s creating much more spin-offs sooner or later. In an interview with SFX journal, Hissrich gushed, “I like this world. I am always in search of different alternatives to develop it exterior the primary mothership present.” Her ardour for the present and its countless alternatives for wealthy, fantasy storytelling guarantees the franchise a protracted life. She even admitted to arising with offshoot concepts earlier than the tailored collection even hit Netflix six years in the past. So, even when followers are met with additional disappointment about the primary collection or any extra sudden scraps, they’ll relaxation assured that the folks working behind it is going to hold its magic alive for a few years to come back.