It was originally a post-credits surprise for The Witcher season 2, but now Netflix has released the first trailer for The Witcher: Blood Origin to the wider public.
Not familiar with Blood Origin? It’s a prequel set 1,200 years before the events of the mainline Witcher series. Here’s the logline from the streamer to get you up to speed.
"Set in an elven world 1200 years before the world of The Witcher, Blood Origin will tell a story lost to time – the origin of the very first Witcher, and the events that lead to the pivotal 'conjunction of the spheres,' when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one."
Sophia Brown is the lead and will play Éile, a warrior of the Queen's guard. Another major player is Michelle Yeoh’s Scian, "the last member of a nomadic tribe of sword-elves on a mission to retrieve a blade stolen from her people." Joining the pair is Laurence O’Fuarain as Fjall, "a man born into a clan of warriors sworn to protect a king."
The three are seen together throughout the trailer, with one scene featuring the trio battling several armored soldiers. In another, they're overlooking a hill as ominous clouds and green lightning fork through the sky.
While the show clearly shares some similarities with The Witcher, the timeframe does give it its own identity. This is a time before the 'conjunction of the spheres' and humans came to The Continent. There are no Witchers, too, which makes for an interesting proposition – especially if you take into account Geralt’s words about The Deathless Mother’s origin during the second season.
Throw in all that a hidden history and a more Icelandic-looking landscape compared to the hills and hamlets of the 'present day' Continent and you’ve got all the makings of a beautiful show that’s sure to be a must-watch for Witcher fans.
The Witcher: Blood Origin is set to debut on Netflix in 2022. For more from the streamer, check out the best Netflix shows. If you’ve finished The Witcher season 2 and still have questions, be sure to catch up with The Witcher season 2 ending explained guide.
