Netflix recently announced that an animated film expanding on the story and universe of The Witcher would be released before season 4 of The Witcher. The animated adventure, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, boasts the return of the famous voice actor for Geralt of Rivia in CDProjekt Red's The Witcher games, and it seems Netflix is hoping this will bring fans back to the franchise.
RELATED: Shock! The Witcher season 4 probably won't happen
Season 4 is doomed from the start
Netflix's The Witcher franchise has sparked considerable controversy since the announcement that Henry Cavill, who many consider to be the face of Geralt of Rivia, would not reprise his role for the fourth season of Netflix's popular live-action adaptation.
Although he left the franchise amicably, he announced that he would lay down his swords as Geralt after the third season and that Liam Hemsworth would take over for the fourth. This announcement caused ratings to plummet almost immediately, and many fans said they would not return to watch season 4.
It was also shortly before James Gunn, Henry Cavill and the DCU announced that Cavill would not return as the Man of Steel either, and the internet was heartbroken to learn that her darling would not reprise two of her most famous roles.
RELATED: The Witcher: Why Liam Hemsworth is a bad choice for Geralt of Rivia
Presentation of The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep
On November 11, Netflix released an official announcement video and official trailer on its YouTube channel, announcing to fans that The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep would be coming to the streaming platform in 2024. While we still don't have a release date for the fourth season of the live-action adaptation, it's likely that we'll see it before the next episode of the series.
The trailer is mournful and stunning, showing Geralt's beautiful eyes and flat Witcher medallion from the live-action adaptation before hearing Doug Cockle's well-known gruff voice on Geralt's lips, the voice of the original actor for the three episodes of the video game series.
The trailer shows epic underwater scenes in which Geralt fights water monsters and interacts with mermaids in the depths of the Continent's oceans.
READ MORE: The Witcher: Nightmare Of The Wolf Review
Polygon revealed that the animated adventure would be an adaptation of the original The Witcher short story, A Little Sacrifice, which depicts an adventure in which Geralt and Dandelion (Jaskier's original name in the books) travel to the depths to speak to a mermaid named after a prince who fell in love, or who fell under her spell. This installment of the franchise will be animated by Studio Mir, the same animation studio that gave us Avatar: Legend of Korra.
Can Sirens of the Deep save Netflix's The Witcher?
While Sirens of the Deep doesn't give fans what they want, the return of their beloved Henry Cavill in any form makes it easier for Doug Cockle to return to the role. Doug Cockle is known for being the voice of Geralt in CDProjekt Red's The Witcher game series, which is loved around the world for being one of the best adaptations of the book series to date.
Even though Henry Cavill was the face of Geralt, he took inspiration from Cockle's iconic voice in the games to bring the role to life. By returning to the Netflix franchise, Cockle could save the franchise.
RELATED: After Henry Cavill's departure announcement, The Witcher fans threaten to boycott the series
Of course, this could also mean the beginning of the end for the live-action series. Let's assume Cockle's presence is what saves the franchise. What would stop Netflix from abandoning the live-action adaptation and sticking with the animated version?
Only time will tell what lasting effect The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep will have on the franchise. However, fans seem happy to return for this short adventure, but are still determined to boycott season 4.
TL;DR
- Netflix has just announced that the story of The Witcher will continue with The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep.
- After all the problems fans had with the fourth season of the live-action adaptation, it looks like Netflix is trying to save The Witcher.
- With the video game voice acting returning for animation, Netflix might have a chance to save the franchise.