The Witcher Season 3: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Geralt's Recasting & 10 Unanswered Questions

Warning: spoilers for The Witcher season 3

Summary

Unanswered questions from The Witcher season 3 revolve around the mysterious disappearances of Istredd and Anika, as well as the true intentions of Vilgefortz. Additionally, the murder of King Vizimir raises speculation on the future ruler of Redania, as Philippa orchestrates events to crown Prince Radovid.

Ciri's narrative awaits resolution as she joins the Rats, leaving uncertainty over whether she will succumb to her dark side and become a criminal. Furthermore, the Wild Hunt's intentions towards Ciri remain undisclosed.

The third season of The Witcher, based on Andrzej Sapkowski's books, featured significant plot developments, raising numerous unanswered questions. Additionally, the upcoming fourth season must address the replacement of Geralt's actor, further adding to the intrigue. After a polarizing second season, Netflix's The Witcher returned with a two-part third season, notable for being Henry Cavill's final portrayal of Geralt of Rivia, creating significant anticipation around this new installment.

The Witcher season 3 marked a significant turning point with Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer of Vengerberg, and Ciri finally united in their quest for safety amidst the relentless pursuit of Ciri by half the Continent. Unfortunately, their newfound unity was short-lived as Dijkstra and Philippa orchestrated the Thanedd Coup, aiming to dismantle the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. However, Vilgefortz, cunningly anticipating their moves, emerged as the true traitor and a close collaborator of the White Flame. This betrayal set off a string of tragic and cataclysmic events. With the conclusion of season 3, many lingering enigmas remain, including how the series will address Cavill's departure and Liam Hemsworth's arrival. Here are some of the unanswered questions and potential avenues for their resolution.

11 Where Is Istredd?

While Istredd has not played a significant role in Netflix's The Witcher thus far, his impact in season 3 was much more pronounced. Istredd's continued investigation into Cintra's monolith led him to discover the Book of Monoliths. However, this valuable tome was in the possession of another mage at Aretuza and subsequently used by Vilgefortz to frame Stregobor. Aware of the danger that Vilgefortz possessing the book posed, as it served as the key to traveling between realms, Istredd attempted to take it during the Thanedd Coup. Regrettably, Vilgefortz was hot on his heels and snatched the book, hurling Istredd through a portal. The whereabouts of Istredd remain unknown, and whether he still lives is uncertain. Considering Vilgefortz's penchant for employing corrupted portals to torment Yennefer, it is safe to assume that Istredd finds himself in a far from pleasant location.

10 Who Will Be The Real Ruler of Redania?

9 What Happened to Anika?

In the latest installment of The Witcher season 3 Part 2, an unsettling turn of events unfolds as King Vizimir is brutally murdered under the orders of the cunning Philippa. Taking advantage of the chaos and the need for a leader, Philippa wastes no time in anointing Prince Radovid as the new ruler of Redania. Yet, this dubious power play leads us to contemplate the true mastermind behind the throne. According to the books, Queen Hedwig was meant to assume the regency until her son Radovid came of age, given that he was merely 12 years old at the time of his father's assassination. However, it is possible that Redania might be governed by a Regency Council, spearheaded by none other than Dijkstra and Philippa, in a twist mirroring the Netflix series.

Anika, a druid and a friend of Geralt’s mother, was introduced in Part 1 of The Witcher season 3. Geralt sought her assistance after rescuing Teryn from captivity and with the aid of Otto, they managed to free her from Vilgefortz's mind control. However, Teryn fell into a trance and attacked Otto and Anika, leaving her in a state of recovery. Geralt entrusted Teryn's care to Anika and Otto, but in the season 3 finale, Teryn was seized by Nilfgaardians and presented as the real Ciri to the White Flame. This raises concerns about Anika's fate, as she and Otto may have encountered hostility from Vilgefortz's associates while safeguarding Teryn.

8 Will Ciri Become A Criminal?

Ciri’s story in The Witcher season 3 left viewers on the edge of their seats as it concluded with a nail-biting cliffhanger. After a near-death experience in the treacherous Korath desert, Ciri found herself in the clutches of relentless bounty hunters. En route to Nilfgaard, the captors made a pitstop at a local bar where fate brought Ciri face to face with Kayleigh, a fellow captive. United in their dire circumstances, the two managed to orchestrate a daring escape, their fortunes taking a turn for the better as the notorious Rats swooped in to lend a hand. Infamous for their bloodthirsty tendencies, as exemplified by their ruthless annihilation of everyone in the bar, the Rats formed an unlikely alliance with Ciri. In a display of her impressive swordsmanship, she dispatched the very bounty hunter who had imprisoned her, leaving the Rats astounded. Adopting the alias "Falka," Ciri embraced the company of the Rats, mirroring her journey in the books. However, whether she will succumb to her darker inclinations and follow in the footsteps of her newfound criminal companions, becoming a perpetrator of heinous acts, remains to be seen.

7 What Does The Wild Hunt Want With Ciri?

The Wild Hunt made its first mention in The Witcher season 1 but didn't physically appear until the season 2 finale. While this foreshadowed their significance in the following season, they only made a fleeting appearance in Part 2. The Wild Hunt pursued Ciri as she fled from Yennefer and the sorceresses, and these ethereal knights materialized when one of them touched Ciri's shoulder, just before Geralt arrived to protect her. The motives behind the Wild Hunt's pursuit of Ciri remain unclear, but if the Netflix series adheres to the books, they may seek her as a means to mate with their king and thus reintroduce Elder Blood to the elves, granting them access to the Gate of the Worlds once more.

6 What Are The White Flame’s Plans For Ciri?

One of the most significant dangers in The Witcher revolves around Emhyr var Emreis, also known as the White Flame and Emperor of Nilfgaard. Emhyr, who is believed to be deceased, is actually Ciri's father and now seeks to capture his own daughter. To aid him in his pursuit, the White Flame has enlisted the help of Vilgefortz. Although Teryn has assumed Ciri's identity and been welcomed into Nilfgaard by the end of The Witcher season 3, Emhyr's intentions regarding his daughter remain unclear. This development suggests that The Witcher may potentially explore the divisive storyline from the books, wherein Emhyr desired Ciri to bear his child, due to the Prophecy of Ithlinne proclaiming that this progeny would become the world's ruler.

5 What Are Vilgefortz Real Plans?

Vilgefortz, collaborating with the White Flame, is widely recognized as a traitor, implying that he likely harbors his own ulterior motives. In the literary works, his objective was to apprehend Ciri with the intent of harnessing her extraordinary abilities by extracting her blood. While Vilgefortz's motivations remain undisclosed in the Netflix series thus far, it would not be astonishing if he also sought to attain unparalleled power as the most formidable sorcerer by exploiting Ciri's powers.

4 What’s Next For The Surviving Sorceresses?

The Thanedd Coup resulted in numerous casualties on both sides of the conflict, particularly among the mages and sorceresses. Following Tissaia's demise, only Yennefer, Triss, Sabrina, Keira, and Margarita remain as sorceresses. At the conclusion of the season, they convened to discuss their next steps now that the Brotherhood has disbanded and Aretuza has crumbled. Yennefer assumed leadership and is resolute in thwarting Vilgefortz and locating Ciri before it is too late. However, the fate of the sorceresses remains uncertain, as the Lodge of Sorceresses differs in the books. In the books, Philippa initiates the Lodge, and in addition to the aforementioned sorceresses, Francesca Findabair is also a member, while Yennefer reluctantly attends the meetings.

3 Did Ciri Really Give Up Her Powers In Korath?

A surprising turn of events unfolded in Part 2 of The Witcher season 3, where an unexpected act of courage from Ciri transpired. In order to rescue her wounded and poisoned companion, the unicorn named Ihuarraquax, Ciri tapped into the realm of fire magic, a forbidden practice with grave repercussions. Consequently, Ciri experienced vivid pyromantic visions, skillfully narrated by Falka, wherein she witnessed the perilous fate of Geralt, Yennefer, and Jaskier, all due to her actions. Overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, Ciri voluntarily renounced her powers, effectively silencing the haunting visions while rendering her unconscious in the vast desert expanse. The subsequent trajectory of Ciri's powers remains ambiguous throughout the remainder of season 3, leaving us to ponder whether she truly relinquished them or merely suppressed their existence. However, should she find herself devoid of her inherent abilities, Ciri stands the chance to reclaim them, mirroring the journey undertaken by Yennefer in season 2, albeit with hope for a smoother and less tumultuous path.

2 Will Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer Reunite Soon?

One of the main drawbacks of The Witcher season 2 was the excessive separation of Ciri, Yennefer, and Geralt, as they were only briefly reunited at the very end of the season. However, in The Witcher season 3, they finally come together and develop a familial bond. Unfortunately, their unity is short-lived due to the Thanedd Coup. Presently, Geralt is tirelessly searching for Ciri, assisted by Jaskier and Milva, while Yennefer leads the remaining sorceresses in their battle against Vilgefortz. Meanwhile, Ciri has joined the Rats, indicating that their reunion is unlikely to occur anytime soon. In the books, their reunion is protracted, with Ciri even journeying to other realms, Yennefer enduring torture by Vilgefortz, and Geralt forming an extraordinary alliance with yet-to-be-introduced characters.

1 How Will The Witcher Explain Geralt’s Recast?

The Witcher season 3 left us with a burning question that goes beyond the narrative and storylines: will Liam Hemsworth take on the role of Geralt of Rivia in season 4? Surprisingly, season 3 did not lay the groundwork for Hemsworth's arrival, instead granting Henry Cavill a final battle as Geralt before departing with Milva and Jaskier. The Witcher now faces the challenge of justifying the recasting of Geralt, necessitating a clever and creative explanation that harmonizes with his storyline, lest it provoke further backlash. The future of The Witcher hangs in the balance, as its survival without Henry Cavill remains uncertain, and the success of season 4 and Liam Hemsworth will determine the fate of the other characters.