Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Witcher season 2: Basil Eidenbenz cast as Eskel after Thue Ersted Rasmussen forced to drop out

Eskel is another Witcher and longtime friend of Geralt

Roisin O'Connor
Sunday 27 September 2020 10:09 EDT
Comments
The Witcher trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Showrunners on The Witcher have recast the role of Eskel with actor Basil Eidenbenz.

Netflix originally announced in February that Thue Ersted Rasmussen had secured the role in the second season of the hit fantasy show starring Henry Cavill.

However, Rasmussen was later forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts caused by the coronavirus pandemic, calling the decision “heartbreaking”.

Deadline reports that Swiss actor Eidenbez, whose previous credits include historical drama Victoria and a role in The Favourite, starring Olivia Colman and Emma Stone, will now take on the role.

The character of Eskel is the fellow Witcher and longtime friend of main character Geralt of Rivia (Cavill).

Other actors joining season two of The Witcher include Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hiviu (as Nivellen), Agnes Bjorn (as Vereena), Peaky Blinders star Paul Bullion (as Lambert), and Killing Eve’s Kim Bodnia (as Vesemir, Geralt and Eskel’s mentor).

Production on the second series was halted in March at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Filming resumed in the UK on 17 August.

Rasmussen revealed on Instagram this week that he had to exit the series, calling it a “heartbreaking” decision and wishing everyone luck on the production of season two.

The Witcher season two is expected to arrive on Netflix in 2021.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in