The Witcher Netflix series will be “taking the fantasy out” and leaning more towards horror

The upcoming Witcher Netflix series will focus less on fantasy in favour of “more grounded horror.” That’s according to Julian Parry, the show’s visual effects supervisor, who sat down for a recent interview with sister publication SFX magazine as part of the latest issue’s big Witcher feature.

“I definitely think it leans more towards horror,” Parry says. “We’re definitely taking the fantasy out. I can honestly say we’re not fantastical. I mean, it’s fantastical but in a grounded horror sense. For example, with Striga [a woman cursed to live as a monster], that’s one gnarly-looking thing. That’s very unpleasant!”

Those hoping for a sword-and-shield aesthetic may be left disappointed, but it’s partly down to logistics, as Parry explains: “We’ve got the Nilfgaard armies, which can’t exist because there are 10,000-plus of them. Same with the Temerians and the Cintrans. the armies physically can’t exist here on set.”

Speaking about the Witcher Netflix series’ possible future plans, showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich also told SFX, “Second season? I’ve done it for seven seasons!" We don’t have a second season yet – God willing we will – but right now it’s just about, ‘How do you set up stories that really capture audiences for years at a time?’ The worst thing we could do is put all of our energies just into season one, and not be thinking about where these characters can grow to.”

If you're a fan of SFX, you can even subscribe so that you never miss an issue. We’re currently running an offer where you can subscribe from as little as £10.25 every three months. Head to My Favourite Magazines now to take advantage of the offer. (Ts and Cs apply).

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.