Ciri Casting Call Aims for Diversity
9/7/2018 2:58 pm
TheWitcher.tv has obtained the casting call description for Ciri, which is looking to add diversity to the cast. The casting team is searching for a B.A.M.E actor in her late teens who can play a preteen. The acronym stands for: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. Looking for an actor that can "age" based on storyline, might entail that episode timelines span between a few years at least. Below is the official description, but without source and contact information (out of respect to those involved).
THE WITCHER for Netflix
Overall shoot dates: 18th October 2018 - end May 2019
Location: Budapest
CIRI
LEAD ROLE. OPTIONS REQUIRED
Cirilla. The Lion Cub of Cintra
Looking for a 16 or 15 year old BAME girl who can play down to 13/14. Must not be older than 18 years old.
Resilient, Relentless, Brazen, Growing.
CIRI can often be found rough-housing with the Palace hands instead of sitting in finery at the knee of the QUEEN CALANTHE, her grandmother. That is, until Cintra is massacred by the Nilfgaardians and CIRI is orphaned, left to traverse THE CONTINENT, alone. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s a direct descendent of LARA DORREN, an Elven Mage – which is why everyone in our series is after her. We follow CIRI as she evades her captors, and in the meantime, discovers her magical talents, her dark side, and the role she is to play in the coming apocalypse. We are looking for an extraordinary young talent to lead this series. She should be brave hearted and MUST have something truly special about her.
The Witcher an 8 x one hour, fantasy drama for Netflix created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich (The West Wing, The Defenders, Daredevil) and based on the book series of the same name by Andrzej Sapkowski.
GERALT, a genetically enhanced monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
GERALT's story entwines with CIRI, an orphaned young girl who wants to find a family & YENNEFER, a powerful sorceress whose beauty and talent come at cost.
Bound together by destiny, often against their will, the three must navigate THE CONTINENT together. And Geralt and Yennefer realize that they must protect this girl - who might just destroy the world. Need we say more?
The concern over ethnic diversity is not a new topic, and has been brought up early by fans, both for and against such casting choices. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich has addressed representation in past twitter threads. Here are a few of them:
The word “representation” is so hot-button that the second I use it, a swath of people accuse me of being leftist, or “anti-racist” (someone actually said that) or a feminist. But true representation also includes men, and conservatives, and white people. It includes different sexualities (which Sapkowski himself wove in) and cultures and ethnicities. It includes all people and POVs. BECAUSE — without them, there’s no drama. If I just preach my “agenda,” there’s no debate. No story.
But cultural representation and skin color are two different things. And I don't see why we can't show accurate, organic diversity in both, within a fantasy world.
What are your thoughts on casting diversity? Does it in any way diminish the world Andrzej Sapkowski has painstakingly created? Let us know in the comments below or in our forums.
Test Script For Isaac Revealed
9/6/2018 12:59 pm
Audition scripts have been revealed for the role of Isaac, which is possibly a codename for Istredd. Based on what was posted on StagePool.eu earlier, this was the description:
"ISAAC" 20-30 years | Published 2018-07-23 | Application deadline 2018-08-02
The script can be read in our spoilers page.
With the news that Henry Cavill will play Geralt of Rivia, this could confirm that a possible romantic rivalry will be part of the storyline. In the books, Yennefer had romantic history with both the sorcerer Istredd, and Geralt. Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski's short story, "A Shard of Ice," know the love triangle was tumultuous to say the least.
An actor has not officially been announced for the role of Yennefer, but has fans debating who would be best to play the leading role alongside Henry Cavill. Who do you think should play Yennefer? Are you excited for a possible love triangle? Let us know in the comments below or in our forum!
Henry Cavill is Geralt of Rivia
9/4/2018 7:45 am
It's a bird, it's a plane- it's not Superman, it is Geralt of Rivia. According to Variety, this will be Henry Cavill's first TV role since being in "The Tudors." He is well known in the comic book world for his role as Kal-El, or Superman. Henry hinted his interest in playing the role during an interview with IGN in August, the actor mentioned his love of the books.
It seems Henry has also slyly updated his address change on his Instagram. Don't bother writing to him there, it seems he doesn't pick up his letters that often.
What do you think about the official announcement? Will Henry Cavill do The White Wolf justice? We think so. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below or in our forum!
Audition Tape for Renfri Revealed
8/29/2018 2:01 pm
As we have learned yesterday based on the casting call list, the character names have been obfuscated to hide the true role. Recently, an audition has been posted for the role of Renfri/Shriek - codename Riley. Renfri is a princess-turned-bandit from Andrzej Sapkowski's “The Last Wish.” In terms of storyline, she is a much darker version of the tale of Snow White.
Transcript is available to read here.
What are your thoughts about this chapter of The Last Wish being brought to the tv series? Let us know in the comments below or in our forum!
Casting Call List Revealed
8/28/2018 8:43 pm
Many have asked about the opportunity to audition for roles in “The Witcher,” and if you are a professional actor living in Europe, you may have been keeping a close eye on this list. Stagepool.com had several parts available, most using aliases to obfuscate the intended role.
Those that have verified, professional accounts are privy to more details, but here is what we do know:
1. "MASON" 42-48 years | Published 2018-08-15 | Application deadline 2018-08-22
2. “TERESA" 27-35 years | Published 2018-08-15 | Application deadline 2018-08-22
3. "ERIK" 42-48 years | Published 2018-08-15 | Application deadline 2018-08-22
4. "FELICIA" 23-28 years | Published 2018-08-15 | Application deadline 2018-08-22
5. "SOFIA" 18-23 years | Published 2018-08-15 | Application deadline 2018-08-22
6. "ISAAC" 20-30 years | Published 2018-07-23 | Application deadline 2018-08-02
7. "CHASE" 20-28 years | Published 2018-07-23 | Application deadline 2018-08-02
8. "MARILYN" 16-19 years | Published 2018-07-23 | Application deadline 2018-08-02
9. "JASKIER" 30-39 years | Published 2018-06-26 | Application deadline 2018-07-16
10. "GERALT" 28-42 years | Published 2018-06-20 | Application deadline 2018-06-27
11. "YENNEFER" 24-36 years | Published 2018-06-20 | Application deadline 2018-06-27
The deadline for most of these auditions was the 22nd. However, that doesn't necessarily negate the chance to apply for a role in the future. The list does provide valuable information to fans, who have been eager to know casting choices, character age range, and a potential timeline for the story.
Speaking of casting, could actor Anya Chalotra have a role in the series? Many have speculated that Anya, who is known for roles in "Wanderlust" and "The ABC Murders" might be chosen as Yennefer. Based on the casting call list, we believe the talented Anya, who is in her early twenties, could be chosen for another part. Perhaps a sorceress?
What are your thoughts about the casting call list? Have any new guesses before filming begins? Let us know in the comments below or in our forum!