Netflix’s The Witcher releases in just over a month and a new piece of information has changed how we should approach the series. Coming via GamesRadar, the show is said to be focused on “grounded horror” rather than the fantastical. So, what does that mean for those of you looking for a sword and sorcery fix? Well, you may be a little disappointed. However, that is not to say the show does not contain any of that! This is an adaptation of The Witcher, after all.
The other thing of note is how this falls in line with the approach the first collection of short stories took. There is definitely a sense of adventure to them, but they can also be horrifying. Even in the games, the creatures aren’t exactly pretty after all!
The Witcher is Gnarly
The news of the show’s approach to the genre comes from visual effects supervisor Julian Parry. Speaking in an interview with SFX magazine, he spoke about the approach to The Witcher in his department:
So, as mentioned, Netflix’s The Witcher is more concerned with a grounded fantasy. A fantasy that lets the horror feel tangible, rather than just fun.
And, as to the reason for this approach, Parry had this to say:
In reality, this tackling of the series is logistical as well as thematic. Budgetary constraints often force creators’ hands to take a different approach to the material. However, it is interesting enough that they may pull it off!
Netflix’s The Witcher will release all eight episodes of season one on December 20, 2019.
