As a Witcher fan, I now have hope for Netflix adaptations again

Witcher fans like me seem to have three reasons to celebrate Netflix’s new film after the company got ‘endless things wrong’ with previous spin-offs.

My journey with the franchise began like many others, captivated by CD Projekt Red’s third game instalment, Wild Hunt, which was launched in 2015. I did give Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings a go, but it didn’t quite grab me. However, the third game was a different story, and I spent countless hours engrossed in the brilliantly crafted quests, leaving me craving more.

Consequently, I delved into the original books penned by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and have since devoured all eight. This includes two compilations of short stories, five titles forming the main saga, and a standalone novel. I’ve even dipped into over half a dozen volumes of the latest Dark Horse comics, offering fresh perspectives on the original tales.

Yet, when Netflix first revealed their live-action adaptation, I couldn’t help but fear that I would experience the same disappointment Game of Thrones book readers felt at the series finale. Despite Henry Cavill’s presence making the show watchable for a time, the series fell short of expectations overall. The way the show tackled the source material became difficult to stomach, reports the Mirror US. With Cavill’s departure and subsequent recasting, it seemed the show was doomed. However, the release of Sirens of the Deep has rekindled my hope for future Netflix Witcher adaptations.

Jaskier and Geralt in The Witcher Sirens of the Deep

The new film adapts the short story A Little Sacrifice (Image: Netflix)

In the latest animated feature, Geralt is tasked with investigating a series of mysterious attacks in a coastal village. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in an age-old feud between humans and merpeople. With the help of old and new allies, he must unravel the mystery before the tension between the two factions spirals into full-blown warfare. There are three reasons why fans of The Witcher, like myself, should be thrilled about this version.

Firstly, the inclusion of Doug Cockle, who has been the voice behind Geralt for the past two decades, is a masterstroke. His involvement instantly elevates the entire production. As a seasoned professional of his craft and as the character, Doug Cockle is a veteran. I had the opportunity to speak with him before the film’s release, and he confessed that the character has become a part of him. This is evident in his performance. He understands Geralt better than anyone and seems perfectly suited for an animated adaptation on Netflix.

Henry Cavill as Geralt in The Witcher

It seemed hope was lost when Henry Cavill dropped out of the series (Image: Netflix)

Secondly, the movie is a genuine adaptation of one of Sapkowski’s original short stories, specifically A Little Sacrifice from Sword of Destiny. Of course, there are alterations, some quite significant. But like any good adaptation, they mostly make sense for the medium. They don’t detract from the original story’s message or themes, nor do they impose unnecessary changes on the characters. All the key players shine.

While the Netflix series often used several of the short stories as a basis for some episodes, they never quite hit the mark. Some felt rushed or simply incorrect, with timelines muddled and characters included who shouldn’t have been there. However, no moments in Sirens of the Deep were glaring enough to detract from its overall enjoyment. Netflix has previously attempted two Witcher spin-offs, one animated and another live-action, neither featuring Geralt in a main role nor based on any pre-existing story. Speaking of Blood Origin, one fan claimed there were “endless things wrong with this series.”

It seems as though fans’ repeated calls for respect for the source material are finally being heeded. This is not an advertisement for anyone to watch the live-action series. There are minimal references to that show, with references to past events occurring within the Witcher lore, not just in the show. The only commonality it shares are two cast members.

Jaskier, Geralt and Essi in The Witcher Sirens of the Deep

Doug Cockle’s return is a high point (Image: Netflix)

Joey Batey once again performs commendably as Jaskier (always Dandelion to us fans) and plays off Cockle well. Regrettably, even with just her voice, Anya Chalotra feels too young to be Yennefer, but thankfully, it’s the only hangover present from the live-action series. There is a cheeky nod to a Cavill-ism, which for some reason became a catchphrase for his iteration of Geralt.

By giving Doug Cockle free rein and letting the film stand independently without forcing references to the Netflix series, it seems like the platform is taking lessons from previous missteps. This gives me hope that all may not be lost. Granted, we Witcher enthusiasts might still have to endure at least one more season of the ongoing live-action series, watching Liam Hemsworth’s performance with a kind of grim fascination. Yet, perhaps the future of Witcher lies solely in animation.

The Witcher Sirens of the Deep is streaming on Netflix.