Netflix's next Witcher film could confirm a harsh reality for the fantasy franchise

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Netflix's next Witcher film could confirm a harsh reality for the fantasy franchise

Upcoming Netflix movies The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep may confirm a harsh reality for the fantasy franchise. Andrzej Sapkowski wrote The wizard fantasy novels throughout the 1990s, creating a dark world of magical monsters and complex human characters. Over the past decade, this franchise has become widely recognized due to the immense popularity of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunta massive video game that allows the player to embark on the adventures of Geralt of Rivia while staying true to the complex decisions and character choices that define the book series.

The popularity of video games and the immense cultural phenomenon of Game of Thrones led Netflix to pursue a live-action adaptation of Sapkowski's books. The series launched in 2019, with Henry Cavill starring as Geralt. Although it got off to a promising start, the show got worse with each season. Now fans wait The wizard Season 4 with skepticism, as Henry Cavill has officially stepped down to be replaced by Liam Hemsworth. While the live-action show will be under intense scrutiny going forward, Sirens of the Deep seems to be winning over fans of the franchise.

The Witcher: Sirens Of The Deep Could Confirm The Best Medium For The Franchise

Animation could be the best option for the Witcher franchise


Geralt holds his sword in front of his face in The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

If Sirens of the Deep is a huge success for Netflix, it can confirm the harsh reality that animation could be the best option for the series. This will not be the first animated feature in the franchise, after 2021 Wolf's Nightmarewhich was a prequel to The wizard series following the Witcher Vesemir in his early years. It didn't have the most widespread appeal, as it was a rather niche creation for fans of the franchise, but it received mostly positive reviews, boasting a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sirens of the Deep the story should reach a wider audience, as it focuses directly on Geralt of Rivia, the most popular character in the franchise. Fans have already expressed excitement in response to the trailer, stating that the voice of Doug Cockle, who played Geralt in the video games, generated a sense of nostalgia. A story centered on Geralt will certainly please the dedicated Wizard book and game fans, and may even have the notability of reaching fans of the TV series.

Why an animated format works so well for the story and world of The Witcher

The animation is suitable for high magic fantasy

Netflix wanted its own version of Game of Thronesbut The wizard it involves a lot more magic, mythical creatures and otherworldly elements that make it more difficult to adapt on a television budget. Animation, on the other hand, doesn't have the same limitations. Not to mention that audiences are already familiar with The wizard franchise in some form of animation, as video games are the most popular medium.

Based on the hit novel and video game series, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is an animated film directed by Kang Hei Chul for Netflix. The series' protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, takes center stage once again as he is hired for a nearly impossible task: ease tensions between humans and merpeople before they erupt into all-out war.

Director

Kang Hei Chul

Release date

February 11, 2025

Cast

Anya Chalotra, Brittany Ishibashi, Christina Wren, Joey Batey, Doug Cockle