The latest installment in The Witcher franchise is just around the corner, as Netflix is gearing up to drop prequel series Blood Origin later this month. The new limited series – adapted from the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski – takes place more than 1,000 years before the time of Henry Cavill’s Geralt, and follows a new group of characters on a vengeful journey through the Golden Age of the Elves.
The series takes viewers through the “evolution of magic,” with series creator Declan de Barra teasing how the series sets up certain core characters and fan favorites from elsewhere in the franchise. Speaking to Netflix, he said: “There are items and discoveries that are made in this world that play off in later seasons of The Witcher and have critical effects on the storyline.”
Here, we break down everything you need to know about The Witcher: Blood Origin
READ MORE: The best Christmas films to watch on Netflix
What is it about?
Set in an elven world 1,200 years before the world of The Witcher, Blood Origin tells a story lost to time – one of seven outcasts who unite against an unstoppable power that took everything from them. Their blood quest giving rise to a prototype Witcher in a conflict that brings about the Conjunction of the Spheres, when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one.
de Barra added: “Viewers will be surprised because they’re going to see a story told about a period of elven history that was buried by the humans after their arrival and eventual conquest of the continent. We get to tell a tale about the elves when they were at their height, like all great societies before their fall.”
Discover, learn, grow. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Who are the cast?
The tale of the elven society’s collapse is told through the eyes of a trio of underdogs, with Michelle Yeoh leading the pack as Scian. The Malaysian actress recently bagged a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and is known for her role in 2000 wuxia film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
Sophia Brown stars a musician is Éile. The up-and-coming actress’ credits include roles in crime drama Girl/Haji and Channel 4 drama I Am.
Completing the group is Laurence O’Fuarain as Fjall. The Irish actor has had minor roles in Game of Thrones, and Norse action-adventure series Vikings.
Several familiar faces also appear throughout the series. Irish comedian Dylan Moran – who viewers may remember from Channel 4 comedy Black Books and his role as the ill-fated David in Shaun of the Dead – stars as Uthrok One-Nut.
He stars alongside British comedian Lenny Henry as Chief Sage Balor, who comes hot off the heels from his role in Lord of the Rings prequel series Rings of Power. Despite rising through the ranks to become the right hand of the king, Balor is looked down on by many as he was found abandoned as a lowborn child.
Rounding off the main cast members is British actress Minnie Driver as Seanchaí, a shapeshifting collector of old lore with the ability to travel between time and worlds. She narrates the series – while also appearing in person – and acts as a tour guide of sorts for viewers.
Also appearing in Blood Origin is Sex Education actress Mirren Mack as Merwyn and It’s a Sin star Nathaniel Curtis as Brían.
When is The Witcher: Blood Origin released?
All four episodes of The Witcher: Blood Origin are available to stream on Netflix from Sunday, December 25 at 8am.
READ NEXT:
-
Parents slam "rip off" and "rushed" Paddington Santa Experience at Trafford Centre
-
Police officer tried to punch through ice as others waded into freezing lake to save tragic children
-
Mum paid £3,000 by council after son misses school for four months
-
Wintry scenes in Manchester city centre as people huddle for warmth
-
'I need an urgent MRI scan but was told I'm over the weight limit'
