When Netflix announced a prequel to its acclaimed series based on The Witcher, it gave fans of the books, games, and show plenty to be excited about. A limited story set to expand on the lore of this world that has engrossed so many sounded like the perfect complement to everything the franchise had already provided. Well, it seems nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, and the upcoming precursor is no different.
Deadline reports Jodie Turner-Smith, who was originally cast as the lead in the prequel known as The Witcher: Blood Origin, has unfortunately just exited the limited series due to scheduling conflicts. Her character, known as Éile, will now have to be recast, likely pushing production back at least a tiny bit. In fact, it was reportedly a slight change in the production schedule of Blood Origin that created the conflict with Turner-Smith's other obligations. How's that for irony?
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The Witcher: Blood Origin will be a 6-part limited series set over a millennium before the events of the stories featuring Geralt of Rivia. Taking place in an elven world, the series aims to tell several origin stories, including the creation of the very first prototype Witcher. Aside from that (or more likely in direct connection to it), another major plot point involves the "conjunction of the spheres," where the worlds of monsters, humans, and elves are merged into one. In that way, The Witcher shares some thematic elements with some impending developments by the mage Solas in the Dragon Age series.
Éile is one of the leads in the series, finding herself thrust back into a life of combat that she had previously tried to leave behind. A fearsome warrior with a blessed voice, she left her clan and her prestigious position guarding the Queen in an effort to follow her dream of becoming a wandering bard. Naturally, nothing goes as planned, and she must take up her sword once again in a quest for revenge, and maybe a little absolution.
It's a shame to see Turner-Smith leaving the series, as her previous work in projects such as Syfy's Nightflyers certainly put her on a lot of radars. The British actress has definitely got some chops, which clearly contributed to her packed schedule. So while The Witcher fans may not get to experience the fruits of her talent, it's at least good to know she's still got steady work. Besides, with season 2 of The Witcher all wrapped up in the filming department, there's still plenty more to look forward to.
Even without Turner-Smith, The Witcher: Blood Origin still looks like a fascinating glimpse into the world fans have grown to love. So hopefully the role is recast soon and production can begin properly.
The Witcher season one is now available on Netflix.
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Source: Deadline