Joey Batey explains Jaskier's return in The Witcher: Blood Origin. Netflix fantasy series The Witcher, based on the novel series by author Andrzej Sapkowski, stars Henry Cavill (to be replaced by Liam Hemsworth in season 4) as the eponymous monster hunter. After the popularity of the first two seasons, Netflix renewed the show for two more, the third of which is currently filming. During the wait for The Witcher season 3, a prequel show called The Witcher: Blood Origin is set for a December 25 release. The upcoming spinoff will be set 1,200 years prior to the original show during the Continent's Golden Era, following several major events including the creation of the first Witcher.
After conflicting reports about original Witcher character Jaskier (Batey)'s involvement in the prequel, a new trailer for The Witcher: Blood Origin confirmed that the character will indeed appear in the show. Based on the trailer, the beloved bard will have a small role in the series, which the actor has since confirmed. During a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Batey discussed his character's role in the prequel series, elaborating on the reasons for his appearance and explaining that his short stint in The Witcher: Blood Origin allows him to serve as "connective tissue" between the original show and the prequel. Check out what the actor had to say below:
"The power of music and stories is at the heart of The Witcher: Blood Origin so it makes sense for Jaskier to be some kind of connective tissue between Blood Origin and the main show. When I was asked to take a break from filming [The Witcher] season 3 to take part in Blood Origin, I was absolutely thrilled. Despite my brief appearance, it was such a pleasure to act alongside the inimitable Minnie Driver and work with the incredible stunt team over a gruelling three-day shoot. As a fan of the books, I loved watching [showrunner] Declan [De Barra]'s story unfold and I was blown away by how much energy and detail each of the cast brought to their characters. If I'm honest, I'm gutted I wasn't in it more!"
Jaskier Is A Fan-Favorite Witcher Character
Appearing in season 1 as a comedic foil to Geralt's gruff and silent ways, Jaskier, also known as Dandelion, is a poet, minstrel, and bard that accompanies the Witcher on some of his adventures. The character coined the popular tune "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher," among others, and frequently mines his travels with Geralt for song and story material in order to further his career as an entertainer. Though Jaskier and Geralt have a complex and sometimes frustrating relationship, the pair have grown close over the course of two seasons, with Jaskier serving as one of the Witcher's closest friends.
Jaskier became a fan-favorite character following his debut in season 1 thanks to his witty quips, ability to go toe-to-toe with Geralt in amusing fashion, catchy songs, and carefree approach to life. As opposed to Geralt, who is weighed down by his past and his solemn missions, Jaskier brings levity to The Witcher and reminds Geralt not to take himself so seriously, as well as making the Witcher realize that he could stand to treat others better at times. In addition, Batey has brought plenty of heart to the character of Jaskier, whose few emotional moments hit harder due to his usually lighthearted state.
With the announcement that Hemsworth will be replacing Cavill in The Witcher season 4, viewers expressed disappointment over the loss of Cavill, whose portrayal of Geralt was popular among fans. The change will make Jaskier's involvement in the show, as a fan favorite, even more important in terms of retaining viewership, and perhaps even see him take on a larger role. In terms of The Witcher: Blood Origin, Jaskier's confirmed involvement may attract additional viewers who are fans of the character, and Batey's comments make it clear that Jaskier's appearance will be essential to the message of the upcoming show.
Source: EW