Netflix’s The World of The Witcher continues to grow with a brand-new spinoff reportedly in development. This time around, the hit-fantasy franchise will shed light on a group of lethal misfits known in Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels as The Rats.
As reported by Redanian Intelligence, the series is a live-action project that will explore The Rats after their appearance in the upcoming Season 3 of The Witcher. The show is believed to be planned for release between Season 3 and Season 4, both of which feature the gang. It is uncertain whether the show will take place before the events of the show, during or after. Beyond that, details are scarce, with no title, release date or casting information yet available and no official confirmation at the time of writing.
Who Are The Witcher’s Rats?
The gang of bandits known as The Rats made their debut in the novel, Time of Contempt, when Ciri helps one of them escape from capture. She rides with them and finds herself in a controversial relationship with one of them, Mistle. There is debate among readers about whether or not it was entirely consensual or whether the incident that began it should be viewed as sexual assault. Ciri’s journey with The Rats continues into Baptism of Fire and proves to be a pivotal period when it comes to trauma, cynicism and her dependence on herself.
As detailed in the novels, The Rats are comprised of Giselher, Mistle, Kayleigh, Iskra, Asse and Reef. As The Witcher Season 3 adapts Time of Contempt, casting information concerning the gang has surfaced. Actor Christelle Elwin will play Mistle, Fabian McCallum plays Kayleigh, Juliette Alexandra has been cast to play Reef, Aggy K. Adamas will play Iskra and Andrew Lee Potts, Ash Rizi and Ben Radcliffe will also appear, though their exact roles are currently unknown.
The Witcher’s Biggest Change
Much of the conversation surrounding this next season of The Witcher has revolved around star Henry Cavill, who announced his departure from the series in recent weeks. He will be replaced as Geralt of Rivia by actor Liam Hemsworth. Season 3 will mark the Cavill’s last appearance as Geralt before Hemsworth takes over for Season 4 onwards.
The actor did not make his reasons for leaving public, though there is speculation that it was due to creative differences he was reported to have with the Netflix series’ producers concerning the project’s direction. These issues arose early on, with a recast considered while Season 2 was in post-production. There were many among the fanbase who speculated creative differences were the cause, partly fueled by statements made by former Witcher writer Beau DeMayo, who claimed members of the show’s writers’ room “actively disliked” the source material and CD Projekt Red’s video games.
The Witcher Season 3 is set to be released in the summer of 2023.
Source: Redanian Intelligence