Netflix's Witcher TV Show's Casting Scripts Leak, Showrunner Responds

Some of the casting scripts for Netflix's upcoming TV show based on The Witcher have leaked, though you shouldn't get too excited. The scripts that leaked are for the purposes of casting, so the dialogue is unlikely to be featured in the actual show. These scripts, called "Sides" in the TV casting parlance, are given to potential actors to see what they're capable of. The casting scripts that leaked involve a pair of scenes with Geralt and Yennefer. These may be lines and scenarios that won't be in the final TV show, but this is the first time we're getting an understanding of the show's writing style and more.

Some took issue with the way in which Geralt speaks to Yennefer. Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich defended the writing, saying on Twitter, "We write scenes to evoke specific emotional reactions in actors. Ego, jealousy, confidence, pain, pleasure. We need to see the full spectrum."

And again, she pointed out that what is written for the casting scripts is not what you'll see and hear on the show itself. Hissrich also said she expected the casting scripts to leak. "It happened. As we knew it would. Don't worry. All is okay in the Witcher world," she said.

You can read the casting scripts here on Reddit (via IGN).

Netflix's Witcher series, which was announced in May, is based on the novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski, not the games from Polish developer CD Projekt Red. There is no word yet on which actors have come in to read for roles, but Superman actor Henry Cavill says he would like to play Geralt.

Hissrich said previously that the Witcher show is expected to premiere in 2020. "We're moving quickly ahead with everything--like, my head is spinning around Exorcist-style, except with enthusiasm, not evil possession--but one thing is certain: quality comes before speed," she said.

The latest instalment in the Witcher video game series was 2015's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. No new projects in the series have been announced. CD Projekt Red is currently working on the much-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077; and more Witcher games could follow after that.