Netflix recently dropped the second season of its widely acclaimed fantasy drama series. After a two-year long wait, fans got to see their favorite characters Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill) and his companion, Princess Cirilla (played by Freya Allan) in The Witcher Season 2. This second installment was jam-packed with action and emotion, terrifying monsters and sword fights. The show’s successful run on Netflix got The Witcher’s showrunner to finally talk about the bad talk that its first few episodes once received. 

The Witcher screenwriter Lauren Schmidt Hissrich discloses the one tactic she used to work on the first season of Netflix’s The Witcher. The show first premiered in December 2019. And ever since the groundbreaking cliffhanger of the season’s finale, fans have been on the edge of their seats to see what lies ahead in Geralt and Ciri’s fate on the Continent. 

It is true that the franchise’s first installment was a huge hit in the fantasy genre. The Witcher found a place high in the ranks regarding dystopia fans. However, there was some criticism sent towards the first season. Particularly by audiences who believed that the series’ female characters could have been represented differently.   

The Witcher’s Lauren S. Hissrich Talks About Season 1

Only recently, showrunner Hissrich sat down for an interview. In a conversation, Hissrich admitted that part of these comments regarding The Witcher’s first season might stand to be true.  

“I have to say that in season one, I don’t think that we paid enough attention to Ciri’s story,” she told the Hollywood Reporter.

“It’s one of my big regrets watching that season.”

Netflix’s The Witcher series is its first English adaptation of short stories and novels written by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. And just like in the source material, the show eventually turns the narrative to make Princess Ciri one of the most significant characters in the entire franchise. 

Geralt of Rivia, a mutated witcher who hunts monsters for bounty, realizes that his destiny is intertwined with the crown princess of Cintra. He then resolves to protect her with his life and does everything in his power to keep her safe from the many threats lurking across the Continent. 

Also Read : Here’s Why The Witcher Season 2 Picks A Story From The First Book

How The Showrunner Rectified Season 1’s Mistake In Season 2

In fact, The Witcher Season 1 revolved primarily around Geralt trying to figure out his feelings for sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (played by Anya Chalotra). At least more than focusing on Ciri’s narrative moving forward. 

Fortunately, though, Season 2 makes amends regarding this particular issue. The latest season highlights Ciri’s journey by allowing for her character development. And by the time the season ends, we find Ciri transforming into a resilient and more knowledgeable warrior who can fend for herself.  

Lauren explains this by saying, “We worked really hard this season to make sure that we felt like we were on the path a lot more with Ciri, with Freya and sort of allowing her to fully explore this character.”

Towards the second episode titled, “Kaer Morhen”, Geralt gives in and concedes to begin Ciri’s training in physical combat. As the season progresses, we see her confiding in Yennefer as well. The sorceress, now an ally, helps her control her magic and to try to use it. 

Taking notes from the original books, CD Projekt developed an equally popular trilogy of video games. Which is why fellow Witcher enthusiasts are aware of how dynamic Ciri’s character is going to become in the future.

Hissrich also revealed,

“And I also think setting up the fact that Ciri becomes increasingly important in the series as it goes.

“Any book lover will tell you that she starts to become the center of this narrative.”

“And we also wanted to make sure we were setting that up.”

Other Upcoming Projects In The Witcher-verse

Netflix has already announced that they are developing a third season of The Witcher series. Which makes the franchise an anticipated ongoing thrill for fans. The production has also revealed a bunch of prequels and animated spin-offs. They are all set in the same universe as the flagship series. And all the avid viewers expect Ciri’s character to rise in potential and be a prominent face when the show makes its return on the streaming giant.

The Witcher Seasons 1 and 2 are now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.