Latest news with #TheWitcher
Geek Tyrant
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE WITCHER Writer Reportedly Joins Amazon's GOD OF WAR Series — GeekTyrant
It's been a while since Amazon first announced its God of War series adaptation, but now there's some new movement. According to @RedanianIntel, a usually reliable source for fantasy TV scoops, former Witcher writer and producer Tania Lotia has reportedly joined the God of War writers' room. Lotia worked on Netflix's The Witcher since 2023 and was also part of the Mighty Nein animated series from Critical Role, so she's no stranger to adapting sprawling fantasy worlds with deep lore and fan expectations. Her experience could bring a valuable edge to God of War, especially with its myth-heavy storytelling and emotionally complex lead in Kratos. Amazon hasn't officially confirmed Lotia's involvement, and this hasn't yet been picked up by other major outlets. But, with the door closed The Witcher following dwindling viewership and the controversial recasting of Geralt, it makes sense that some of the creative team would be moving on to new projects, and God of War seems like a natural fit. If Lotia really has boarded the project, she joins a production that's been in flux for a while. Last year, original showrunner Rafe Judkins ( The Wheel of Time ) and several other creatives exited the series, reportedly triggering a full-scale creative reboot. The project was later handed off to Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), who's now steering the adaptation. Moore confirmed earlier this year that things are 'going well,' though there's still little to go on beyond that. We don't have a release window, casting announcements, or even much detail about the show's direction, just that Amazon has reportedly greenlit two seasons already. Hopefully, this behind-the-scenes movement means Amazon will break the silence on the project soon and throw out some exciting information.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Witcher Season 4 Release Date, Story, Cast, and Everything We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The Witcher Season 4 is on its way. Netflix has dropped a ton of exciting details for its upcoming fantasy epic series, so keep reading for the release date, story, cast list, and more. We already know it's the debut of Liam Hemsworth, who replaces former series lead Henry Cavill as monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. But did you know The Witcher Season 4 is the penultimate season? Or that it was shot virtually back to back with The Witcher Season 5? Liam Hemsworth stars in The Witcher Season 4 Liam Hemsworth stars in The Witcher Season 4 Netflix We've got plenty of fresh info about the eagerly awaited show, so scroll down for everything we know. The Witcher Season 4 Story The Witcher season 4 will incorporate storylines from the three remaining novels in The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski's series. These are Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. Baptism of Fire sees Geralt caught between two warring clans, and Ciri join a group of thieves called The Rats. "It wouldn't be our show if we didn't push our family of characters to their absolute limit," creator and showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich tells Netflix. "Stay tuned to see how the story ends." The Witcher Season 4 Synopsis "After the shocking, Continent-altering events that close out season three, the new season follows Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri who are faced with traversing the war-ravaged Continent and its many demons apart from each other. If they can embrace and lead the groups of misfits they find themselves in, they have a chance of surviving the baptism of fire – and finding one another again," per Netflix's official synopsis. What Happened in The Witcher Season 3 Ending? The Witcher Season 3 ends with Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer all separated after being defeated by the mage Vilgefortz. Geralt now sets off to save Ciri, alongside Jaskier and Milva. However, they're going after a decoy. The real joined the group of young criminals known as The Rats (there are rumours of a spinoff show). Yennefer, meanwhile, replaces head sorceress Tissia as the new leader of Aretuza. The Witcher Season 4 Release Date The Witcher Season 4 will release in 2025, as confirmed by Netflix. However, an exact date for the show has yet to be announced. Filming has already wrapped, which is a good sign we'll see it sooner rather than later. "So we've been shooting now about eight months," Hemsworth said in an interview on Live With Kelly and Mark. "Three more weeks and then we break for about four months and then come back next year and do another eight months," Hemsworth added, referring to The Witcher Season 5. Season 4 is being shot relatively back-to-back (albeit with a short break in between) with the fifth and final season. After that, there's no more source material from Sapkowski. The Witcher Season 4 Cast The Witcher Season 4 cast features both new characters and returning favourites, as confirmed by Netflix. The list of departure include Geralt (Henry Cavill), Tissaia (MyAnna Buring), Lydia (Aisha Fabienne Ross), Filavandrel (Tom Canton), Artorius (Terence Maynard), Gallatin (Robbie Amell), and Rience (Sam Woolf), and Vesemir (Kim Bodnia). The reasons for their omission range from scheduling conflicts and creative choices to death (of the character, not the actor). Here's the complete list of who you'll see in The Witcher Season 4. • Geralt - Liam Hemsworth • Ciri - Freya Allan • Yennefer - Anya Chalotra • Jaskier - Joey Batey • Regis - Laurence Fishburne • Sharlto Copley - Leo Bonhart • James Purefoy - Skellan • Danny Woodburn - Zoltan • Fringilla - Mimi Ndiweni • Cahir - Eamon Farren • Francesca - Mecia Simson • Triss - Anna Shaffer • Dara - Wilson Mbomio • Istredd - Royce Pierreson • Sabrina Glevissig - Therica Wilson-Read • Vilgefortz - Mahesh Jadu • Stregobor - Lars Mikkelsen • Dijkstra - Graham McTavish • Phillipa - Cassie Clare • Nilfgaardian Emperor Emhyr - Bart Edwards • Radovid - Hugh Skinner • Milva - Meng'er Zhang • Giselher - Ben Radcliffe • Mistle - Christelle Elwin • Kayleigh - Fabian McCallum • Iskra - Aggy K. Adams • Reef - Juliette Alexandra • Asse - Connor Crawford Is Liam Hemsworth in The Witcher Season 4? Yes, Liam Hemsworth is the new lead in The Witcher Season 4. Hemsworth posted his delight in a statement. "As a Witcher fan, I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," he said in a statement. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honored that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcherworld." Is Henry Cavill in The Witcher Season 4? No, Henry Cavill is not in The Witcher Season 4. That's because Liam Hemsworth is replacing him. Cavill responded to the announcement on Instagram, writing: "My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4." "In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him — enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
7 lessons GTA 6 can take from The Witcher 3
Rockstar Games is known for creating iconic open worlds, but The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt did things so right, it still lives rent-free in our heads years later. With GTA 6 on the horizon, it's the perfect time for Rockstar to take notes from CD Projekt Red's magnum opus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here are 7 things The Witcher 3 nailed that GTA 6 can absolutely learn from. 1. Side Quests Shouldn't Feel Like Side Quests Every side mission in The Witcher 3 has purpose, flavor, and emotional weight. You don't just fetch herbs; you uncover haunted pasts, tragic lovers, or deadly secrets. Compare that to GTA's 'go here, shoot them, drive back' formula. In GTA 6 , Rockstar should build side stories that matter just as much as the main plot. Make us care . GTA 6 : New LEAKS shows Choices... 2. Choices Should Actually Matter What you do in The Witcher 3 changes how characters see you—and how the world evolves. Actions have long-term consequences. GTA often gives us 'fake' choices that don't really affect the game. Rockstar can level up by introducing branching outcomes. Make our decisions alter alliances, mission paths, and even the ending. 3. NPCs Deserve Better Lives In The Witcher 3 , NPCs farm, argue, pray, and mourn. They feel real . In GTA, they scream, run, and sometimes walk in circles. Time for a glow-up. Rockstar should breathe life into Leonida by making its people dynamic. Imagine citizens reacting to weather, news, and your actions like they actually live there. 4. Let the World Talk Back From peasant gossip to bard songs, The Witcher 3 constantly reflects your journey. The world acknowledges what you've done. That feedback loop builds immersion. Rockstar can steal this trick by letting GTA 6's radio stations, social media apps, or NPC chatter reflect your story decisions and chaos. 5. Tone Can Be Serious and Fun Yes, The Witcher 3 is dark, but it's also hilarious. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Drunk Geralt. Talking trolls. Absurd contracts. Rockstar's strength is comedy, but when it comes to serious moments, they sometimes flinch. GTA 6 can strike a better balance—lean into mature themes, but don't lose the satire. We want to feel and laugh. GTA 6 WORLD REVEAL 6 Big Cities, 40+ Locations 😱 FULL Breakdown! 6. Worldbuilding > Map Size Sure, The Witcher 3 is massive—but it's the details that hit. Shrines, books, ruins, camps—they all tell stories. GTA maps are big, but often feel hollow outside missions. Leonida needs dense storytelling: graffiti with lore, shops with secrets, abandoned places with mysteries. Big maps are cool. Deep maps are unforgettable. 7. The Protagonists Should Grow Geralt evolves from an emotionless monster hunter to someone full of heart and regret. Most GTA characters stay the same. Rockstar should give Jason and Lucia room to grow . Make us feel their choices, trauma, and victories. Give them arcs that hit hard . Make us remember them like we remember Geralt. GTA 6 already has the hype, but The Witcher 3 showed us that open-world games can be both massive and meaningful. If Rockstar blends their chaos with Witcher's storytelling soul, we're looking at a once-in-a-generation game. Don't just build a city—build a world that stays with us.
Business News Wales
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Media Cymru Launches Wales' First Virtual Production Fellowships Programme
Media Cymru, a consortium of broadcast, production and academic institutions and businesses in Wales, has commissioned specialist training provider Final Pixel Academy to deliver a nine-month Virtual Production (VP) Fellowship ™ programme in 2025/2026. The programme is the first of its kind in Wales and will be hosted at a new state-of-the-art training facility for Virtual Production at fivefold studios. Funded by Media Cymru, the programme is being delivered by specialist training providers Final Pixel Academy and supported by virtual production studio fivefold Studios and post-production company Gorilla. Virtual production combines real-time game engine technology with LED screen backdrops and motion capture and is increasingly transforming how content is made. The use of virtual production in high-profile titles such as The Mandalorian, The Witcher, and The Lion King has signaled a shift in global production models, and Wales is now positioning itself to train the workforce needed to further enable that transition. The custom-built programme aligns with a shift in industry practice around the globe. It combines innovative technologies and virtual production techniques for professional crew and emerging industry talent across the fields of TV and film, broadcast, games, VFX, live events and post-production. The first Wales based Final Pixel Virtual Production Fellowship ™ will see 16 participants engage in nine months of specialist training including both the foundational and intermediate virtual production skills required, such as production, creating virtual art as well as running and filming in a volume. The new VP training facility at fivefold and the Final Pixel Virtual Production Fellowship ™ programme are part of the acceleration of investment and confidence in the creative industries in Wales. Media Cymru Director Justin Lewis said: 'We're very pleased to have worked with consortium partners to host Wales' first Final Pixel Academy Virtual Production Fellowship ™. Not only will the final candidates access a high-quality blend of on-set training, masterclasses with leading industry talent and project-based live briefs, but the Fellowship represents the 'bleeding edge technology' that is fueling a new future for the creative industries in the UK.' Final Pixel Academy is the training arm of Final Pixel, a Creative Innovation Agency and Filmworks. Dr Jodi Nelson-Tabor is Head of Final Pixel Academy. She said: 'The launch of the very first Final Pixel Academy Virtual Production Fellowship ™ in Wales marks a transformative moment for the creative industries in the region. At Final Pixel Academy, we are proud to lead this pioneering programme in partnership with fivefold Studios, Gorilla (Academy) and the University of South Wales, made possible through the support of Media Cymru. By equipping mid-to-senior level professionals with cutting-edge, real-time technologies and virtual production skills, we are not only nurturing local talent but also attracting inward investment and positioning Wales as a premier destination for innovative film, television, and immersive media productions. Our Final Pixel Academy Virtual Production Fellowship ™ is more than just training; it is a catalyst for industry growth, creative excellence, and a thriving future for virtual production in Wales.' David Levy, Managing Director of fivefold Studios, said: 'At fivefold Studios, we've established a dedicated virtual production facility at the heart of a thriving film studio in South Wales. Featuring Europe's largest green screen cove, advanced motion and performance capture systems, and a state-of-the-art LED volume, the space is purpose-built for innovation and production at scale. Hosting the Final Pixel Academy Virtual Production Fellowship ™ here allows us to welcome emerging talent into an environment designed for hands-on learning, creative exploration, and real-world production collaboration.' Sally Lisk-Lewis, Skills and Partnerships Training Manager for University of South Wales, added: 'The Final Pixel Virtual Production Fellowship ™ is all about future-proofing the workforce in Wales and bridging the gap between traditional filmmaking and the emerging world of virtual production. It equips Welsh filmmakers with the skills and knowledge they need to stand out and excel in the sector, attracting high-end productions in the process.'
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Amazon to invest $69.5 billion in Britain over next three years
Amazon's UK investment will be used to build four distribution centres, creating an estimated 4,000 jobs. PHOTO: REUTERS Amazon to invest $69.5 billion in Britain over next three years LONDON - Online retail giant Amazon will invest £40 billion (S$69.5 billion) in the UK over the next three years, the government said on June 24, a boost for Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he struggles to kickstart the economy. Mr Starmer, who met Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy last week, said the announcement 'adds another major win to Britain's basket and is a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business. 'It means thousands of new jobs – real opportunities for people in every corner of the country to build careers, learn new skills, and support their families. 'Whether it's cutting-edge AI or same-day delivery, this deal shows that our Plan for Change is working – bringing in investment, driving growth, and putting more money in people's pockets,' he added. The £40 billion will be used to build four distribution centres, creating an estimated 4,000 jobs, and to renovate the historic Bray Film Studios, acquired in July 2024. In December, Amazon signed an agreement with Games Workshop, the British company that owns the rights to Warhammer 40,000, to produce films and TV series based on the futuristic fantasy universe. The project is set to star Henry Cavill, known for his roles in in Superman and The Witcher. The investment also includes part of the £8 billion previously announced in September 2024 for building, operating and maintaining data centres in the UK, aimed at boosting artificial intelligence (AI) computer capacity. The announcement coincides with the publication of the government's 'Modern Industrial Strategy', which outlines how the state and high-growth industries will collaborate in the future. It offers a rare piece of good news for the Labour government, which has been buffeted by US tariffs and global conflicts and seen its domestic policy of tax hikes and public investment fail to deliver on its promise of growth. Amazon already employs more than 75,000 people in over 100 sites across the UK. Mr Jassy said the company was 'bringing innovation and job creation to communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. He announced in February that Amazon would invest more than US$100 billion (S$128 billion) in 2025, primarily to boost its cloud and AI capabilities. Australia was the focus last week, when the US firm announced US$13.3 billion over five years for its data centres, the largest technology investment ever made in the country. In June, Amazon also announced major investments in North Carolina (US$10 billion) and Pennsylvania (US$20 billion), again for data centres and AI projects. Amazon is currently under investigation by the UK Food Regulator, suspected of late payments to food suppliers. If found guilty, Amazon could be fined up to 1 per cent of its annual UK turnover. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
