Speaking at Netflix’s recent TUDUM event, The Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich made some huge announcements for the franchise, including the development of a project set in the Continent, aimed at kids and families. The news has not gone over too well with certain members of the franchise’s fanbase.
Hissrich discussed the topic on social media, engaging with the developing project’s detractors, who believe that the dark and violent world of The Witcher should not or cannot be toned down for children. “I agree, The Witcher is a dark, mature universe. I’d go further. It’s controversial. Political. A microcosm of humanity, for all its goodness and evil,” she stated, adding, “But I believe — STRONGLY believe — that the moral dilemmas and ethical grayness that adults love in this universe… can be extrapolated to stories that kids in this chaotic world desperately need, and could benefit from.”
— can be extrapolated to stories that kids in this chaotic world desperately need, and could benefit from.
I say this as the mom of an 8 year old and a 10 year old. They’ve begged me to watch the show. They can’t. It’s not appropriate, too mature and dark, as you say. But.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) September 27, 2021
And how we can fight back against those bleak black holes of humanity, so everyone knows there’s a place for them? Then I’m in.
And yes, I hope this extends the brand viewership. I love The Witcher world. And I want more people to love it, too, no matter their age. Don’t you?
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) September 27, 2021
The showrunner then referred to her own children’s desire to watch The Witcher, arguing, “If I can sit with them and watch a version they love, one they can laugh at… but that can also serve as a foundation from which to talk about big topics, racism, sexism, what it means to be a monster? And how we can fight back against those bleak black holes of humanity, so everyone knows there’s a place for them? Then I’m in.”
While there have been no details revealed about the family-oriented project, Hissrich’s statements suggest that it will be a series, similar to The Witcher. What form this series will take or who it will follow is currently unknown. The announcement for the series came as part of a tease at the TUDUM event concerning the future of the franchise. The project was announced alongside another anime project as well as Season 3 of The Witcher.
This would be the first family-oriented project stemming from the world of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and one of the most unique projects Netflix has in store for the franchise. The streaming giant released The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf back in August– an anime tie-in film to the main series. Additionally, a prequel series, The Witcher: Blood Origin is currently in production in the United Kingdom. The show will explore the Continent’s ancient history, 1,200 years prior to the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, Ciri and Yennefer of Vengerberg.
The Witcher Season 1 is available for streaming on Netflix. Season 2 is scheduled to be released on Dec. 17.
Source: Twitter
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