Virtual streaming service Netflix has just announced the adaptation of popular fantasy series The Witcher into a television show in cooperation with the author of the original Polish novels, Andrzej Sapkowski.
Due to the inclusion of Sapkowski as a creative consultant, it's safe to assume that the show will likely follow the stories from the books, rather than focus on bringing the events of the games to life. The author has, after all, shown disdain for video games in the past, and had little to do with the game adaptations beyond signing off on the rights to the IP.
CD Projekt Red also announced shortly after the launch of DLC expansion Blood and Wine for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that the release would be the last of the series, and that Geralt's story had come to a conclusion.
This only confirms for many the theory that Netflix will attempt to adapt the novels, which take place before the events of the games.
Those discouraged by this revelation however should find solace in the understanding that, to many, The Witcher novels represent the best the fantasy genre has to offer. The books are extremely popular in Poland and are frequently hailed for their immersive narratives and clever connections to traditional folklore.
Fans of The Witcher games will also be pleased to hear that, for the most part, all of the characters from CD Projekt Red's series are introduced in the novels, and will likely make appearances in the upcoming show.
It's not unlike Netflix to acquire the rights to a popular IP like this. The streaming service is already popular for its original series, several of which have adapted comic book stories to (mostly) highly successful shows.
We can say with some confidence, however, that whatever they produce will likely be better than the 2001 adaptation, The Hexer.
