Ever since The Witcher season two aired back in December 2021, we've been eagerly awaiting new episodes. The show broke records when the first season landed on Netflix back in 2019, becoming the most streamed debut in history, and at the annual Netflix TUDUM event, the series' creators revealed that it had been green-lit for a third season. Then, after much waiting, we were finally gifted with a teaser trailer back in April. And now, we have volume one — five new episodes — to enjoy before the next instalment drops on July 27. Here's everything you need to know.
What is The Witcher season 3: volume one about?
As diehard fans will know, The Witcher is based on a series of fantasy novels and short stories by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Henry Cavill is at the centre of the series, portraying mutilated monster-hunter Geralt of Rivia. According to the series' showrunner Lauren Hissrich, The Witcher season 3 closely follows Sapkowski's book Time Of Contempt.
"What is so interesting is that season 3, to me, is the closest thing that we've done as a one-to-one adaptation of the books," she told Entertainment Weekly. “Obviously, we can't do every page, but Time Of Contempt gave us so many big action events, plot points, defining character moments, huge reveals of a big bad. There's so much to do that we were able to stick really, really closely with the books.”
As expected following season two, much of the action revolves around Geralt staying true to his word and protecting Ciri, who continues to be hunted. Expect plenty of fight scenes, emotional turmoil, and magic as the monster-hunter takes down anyone in his way.
Who stars in The Witcher season 3: volume one?
The Witcher's main cast members have returned for a third season, including Henry Cavill as Geralt, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Freya Allan as Ciri. We also see Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold, Royce Pierreson as Istredd, and Kim Bodnia as Vesemir. And there may well be more surprise faces in store when volume two drops.
When will Henry Cavill leave the series?
In October 2022, Henry stunned fans by announcing that he was leaving The Witcher. In a statement posted to Instagram, he revealed The Hunger Games actor Liam Hemsworth would be replacing him in season four.
The actor wrote: “My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for season four. In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.” Speaking directly to Liam, he added: “Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
The series' showrunner Lauren Hissrich has teased that Henry will be given “the most heroic sendoff.” Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, she revealed: “Henry has given so much to the show and so we want to honour that appropriately.”
Watch the trailer for The Witcher season 3 below:
