Given the popularity of The Witcher, it seems safe to say that many are awaiting another season, but that’s going to be quite some wait. As it currently slated for 2021, fans of the franchise may have to use the novels and Witcher video games, both of which saw a resurgence following the Netflix series’ premiere, to bide out the time. Both mediums are also excellent source material for the next season.
It’s worth mentioning that the Netflix show is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series, but it is possible that it gets expanded beyond 8 episodes and beyond the novels as sole source material in its next season. As such, there are plenty of storylines between The Witcher video games and the saga of novels that could appear.
Geralt and the Wild Hunt
Between The Lady of the Lake (the book) and the beginning of the original The Witcher, Eredin and the Wild Hunt kidnap Yennefer, forcing Geralt to eventually trade his soul for hers. Then, until Ciri frees him, Geralt is forced to serve the Wild Hunt. Since the exact circumstances would differ wildly, it would need some serious adaptation, but it would be a good way to bring the Wild Hunt to life, assuming they are the major enemies in the show, and show what Geralt was forced to do for the Hunt. There’s also a solid amount of freedom here, as this is mostly mentioned in passing.
Geralt’s Love Triangle
With the show’s emphasis on the books over the games, many may not enjoy every change made to Triss in The Witcher. Yet, there’s plenty of possible time for a relationship between Geralt and Triss to blossom, as it seemingly has for Geralt and Yennefer. After all, Witchers have a heightened libido, so it would make sense (and has already been shown in the series to be true). This sets up the show to really play on the Geralt/Triss/Yennefer love triangle found in Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt as a way to add more drama to the overall Netflix show. In the games, choosing to pursue both sorceresses ends Geralt all alone, but even dialed back with Geralt having to choose between Triss and Yennefer for a romantic relationship would add a nice level of complexity to Geralt’s love life.
The Bloody Baron Storyline
When it comes to storylines in the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, few are as popular as The Bloody Baron, as it is as equally rewarding (or heartbreaking) as it is expansive. In exchange for info on Ciri, Geralt of Rivia takes on a quest to find Baron Phillip Strenger’s missing wife and daughter, but this may be shelved for later seasons, as it requires that Geralt be searching for Ciri. However, it’s possible that a time skip occurs between seasons or at the start of Season 2 where Ciri receives her Witcher training. The two spend more time apart than they do together, so it would make sense to see them separated once again in the show, making this storyline a prime choice should Geralt need to pursue Ciri.
Ciri and The Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake is one of the more popular books in the series and could easily be used to help a timeskip and bridge the narrative tissue between Geralt being picked up by the Wild Hunt and his search for her during the Bloody Barron Storyline. In the novel, Ciri essentially finds herself in an Elven world, learns more of her Elder Blood, and comes face to face with Arthurian Legend. It would be a nice touch and step away, even if for an episode, before diving back into the lore and world-building of the Continent.
Regis, Zoltan, and The Baptism of Fire
The Witcher season 1 does a fine job of setting up the world of the Continent, including glances at non-human races like Dwarves. However, there’s not really a defining moment for race of characters in the show, and using Baptism of Fire as source material would move the overarching story forward and introduce Zoltan, a dwarven friend of Geralt. The novel also features the Fall of the Council, a likely storyline to be featured given the event’s of the first season, and introduces Regis, a vampire and good friend of Geralt. It’s possible this could also lead to an adaptation of the Blood and Wine DLC narrative for the show, but it’s doubtful this would appear in the season 2 if ever at all.
The Witcher is available now on Netflix.
