Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Witcher: Two Hollywood stars ‘turned down role of Vesemir’ in season 2

Hit Netflix show expected to return in 2021

Jacob Stolworthy
Sunday 03 May 2020 10:47 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.

The actors who were originally wanted for the role of Vesemir in The Witcher have been revealed.

Much speculation was thrown upon the person who would play the character in the hit Netflix show’s second season, and in February, it was announced that Killing Eve star Kim Bodnia would be the one bringing him to life.

However, resurfaced reports have suggested that Bodnia was not the first choice.

It was suggested in a possible leak that casting directors had their eyes on Hollywood stars Michael Keaton and Mads Mikkelsen, who are said to have both passed up the opportunity.

Beloved character Vesemir serves as a friend and mentor to the fantasy show’s lead character, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill).

Bodnia’s casting was met by approval from viewers of the show, which was first released in December 2019.

Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju – who played Tormund Giantsbane – also joined the season two cast ahead of production coming to an end due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich recently announced the new season will introduce a big timeline change following fan criticism.

Hissrich explained the decision in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) last month, saying: “The narrative structure was put in place so that we could tell Geralt’s short stories (the foundation of the whole Witcher world, in my opinion), while Ciri and Yennefer could also be a part of the action.

The Witcher, based on source material written by Andrzej Sapkowski, follows a monster hunter in a world known as The Continent

The show is expected to return to 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