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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

The Witcher: Two Hollywood stars 'turned down role of Vesemir' in season 2

The actors who were originally wanted for the role of Vesemir in The Witcher have been revealed.

Much speculation was thrown upon the person who would play the character in the hit Netflix show’s second season, and in February, it was announced that Killing Eve star Kim Bodnia would be the one bringing him to life.

However, resurfaced reports have suggested that Bodnia was not the first choice.

It’s suggested that casting directors had their eyes on Hollywood stars Michael Keaton and Mads Mikkelsen, who are said to have both passed up the opportunity.

Beloved character Vesemir serves as a friend and mentor to the fantasy show’s lead character, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill).

Bodnia’s casting was met by approval from viewers of the show, which was first released in December 2019.

Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju – who played Tormund Giantsbane – also joined the season two cast ahead of production coming to an end due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich recently announced the new season will introduce a big timeline change following fan criticism.

Hissrich explained the decision in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) last month, saying: “The narrative structure was put in place so that we could tell Geralt’s short stories (the foundation of the whole Witcher world, in my opinion), while Ciri and Yennefer could also be a part of the action.

The Witcher, based on source material written by Andrzej Sapkowski, follows a monster hunter in a world known as The Continent

The show is expected to return to Netflix in 2021.

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