“The Witcher” series, adapted from the fantasy novels, is officially available on Netflix starting today.
The streamer’s answer to “Game of Thrones,” the story focuses on Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster slayer finding his place in a wicked world. Witchers are beast hunters who develop supernatural abilities to battle these creatures.
Starring Henry Cavill (“The Tudors,” “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Justice League) as a monster mercenary for hire, the fantasy drama, loaded with magic and sword fights, is based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski. He is doubling as creative consultant.
The cast also includes Anya Chalotra as the magic slinging sorceress Yennefer and Freya Allan as Ciri, the mysterious princess.
“The Witcher” novels proved so popular that they were adapted into a film and video games. The plot line: Various races live on the Continent, including elves, dwarfs, werewolves, dryads, vampires and humans. After several wars, human emerged victorious and become the dominant race, often more vicious than the beasts they stalk.
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich (“West Wing,” “Justice,” “Private Practice”) created the TV series for Netflix. Given its built-in fandom appeal, a second season was already announced by the streamer.
Hivemind, the production company behind Amazon’s “The Expanse” and the upcoming “Final Fantasy” series on Netflix, is producing “The Witcher.”
The official YouTube trailer comes from the first “Witcher” story called “The Last Wish.” It introduces viewers to Geralt of Rivia and provides a quick overview of a witcher’s world.