Ahead of the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2019 hit series, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf is set to provide fans with a fresh look at the rapidly expanding Witcher cinematic universe. Premiering on August 23, the movie serves as a precursor to the live-action series. However, the plot could also provide some welcome clues for fans of the show and promises to offer a new perspective on the entire saga.
During season 1, The Witcher focused on the adventures of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia and Princess Ciri, who are bound together by a mysterious connection. The show uses complex overlapping timelines to weave an intricate narrative thread, linking characters and locations in ways that aren't always immediately obvious. The show itself takes inspiration from the Polish fantasy novels of the same name, as well as the hugely popular video game series. However, the release of the new Netflix movie shows that the platform is still committed to exploring the story on the small screen.
What might be most intriguing about the new Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf film is that it functions as both a prequel and a spin-off to the show – potentially answering some burgeoning questions about season 1 and setting up some new ones for season 2. It's known that the movie will focus on the origin story of Vesemir, another member of the Witcher brotherhood and eventual mentor to Geralt. It has subsequently been revealed that Vesemir will also appear in the live-action Witcher season 2, played by Danish actor Kim Bodnia. Given the age difference between Bodnia and the hedonistic, youthful Vesemir seen in the trailer, it seems that the events of Nightmare of the Wolf take place at least 30 years before The Witcher.
None other than series creator and executive producer Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has also provided some useful clues about the movie's place in the timeline and wider significance. In a special commentary video for The Witcher's YouTube channel, Hissrich reveals that the new anime movie will also include Kaer Morhen – the legendary home of the Witcher guild. The location also features in the live-action season 2 trailer, where it appears decrepit and run-down. Contrastingly, Nightmare of the Wolf hints at a vibrant and thriving Kaer Morhen, again proving that there has been a significant passage of time between the series and animated movie.
It's also possible that the anime movie will answer some key questions about Geralt's character development. At the outset, Vesemir appears confident, swaggering and seemingly much more roguish than the ultra-serious Geralt. Given that this is the series' protagonist's father figure, it seems likely that The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf will go some way to explaining why Geralt is the way he is. Wherever the story goes, however, it promises to be a must-watch for fans of the wider franchise.