Netflix series The Witcher has been a huge hit for the US streaming platform after it was released in December 2019. The show beat off competition from the likes of The Crown season three to make it into the top 10 most-watched series of last year. However, the show almost didn’t happen after The Witcher’s creator Andrzej Sapkowski was uncertain about turning it into a television series.
In an interview with io9.com, the Polish author Sapkowski confessed he’d been tentative about the small screen adaptation when first approached by Netflix.
He told the publication: “I must confess I was reluctant at first. I have been approached before by many people, mostly far from being serious.
“So I practically lost hope and was difficult to persuade when suddenly another offer appeared.
“But this specific offer was businesslike and the people behind it sympathetic. I had every reason to react positively.”
On how involved he was, the writer said: “Not very much, on my own request.
“I do not like working too hard or too long. By the way, I do not like working at all.”
He went on to reveal he didn’t interfere or “fight for anything” and simply advised on the series.
However, he refused to be drawn on some of the details which were changed for the series from his original source material.
Now, however, it’s basing viewing figures on an individual watching for two minutes or less.
A spokesperson for Netflix told The Hollywood Reporter: “Our new methodology is similar to the BBC iPlayer in their rankings based on ‘requests’ for the title, ‘most popular’ articles on The New York Times, which include those who opened the articles, and YouTube view counts.
“This way, short and long titles are treated equally, levelling the playing field for all types of our content including interactive content, which has no fixed length.”
Work is now taking place on the new episodes which will follow on from the finale of the first outing.
The show left viewers with many questions including the fate of Yennefer (played by Anya Chalotra).
Also, viewers were wondering if Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) will get together with Triss Merrigold (Anna Shaffer).
Ciri (Freya Allan) and Geralt were finally united after he was trying to find his Child of Surprise and keep her safe.
The battle for the Continent is also going to be continuing as the Chapter of the Brotherhood continue to fight Nilfgaard.
Season one took its cue from the short stories written by Sapkowski with Geralt going on different adventures each episode.
But the next season is likely to be adapted from his novels, which promises a longer story.
The Witcher is streaming on Netflix now
