The Witcher Season 4: Unveiling an Epic Lineup of Unforgettable Villains

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for The Witcher season 3, part 2.

Summary

In the season 3 finale, Ciri becomes a member of The Rats, a group that could potentially take on the role of villains in season 4 and guide her towards a darker path. Additionally, the Netflix series may reintroduce The Wild Hunt as antagonists in season 4 and future seasons, altering their origins from the games and novels.

Emhyr var Emreis, known as the White Flame, is likely to have an expanded role in season 4 of The Witcher as the main antagonist, particularly with the onset of a fresh conflict between the North and Nilfgaard.

Season 3 of The Witcher has introduced various potential villains for season 4, including both new and returning characters. The finale of season 3 is a pivotal moment for the show, not only because it wraps up an important part of the story, but also because it marks Henry Cavill's final appearance as Geralt. Liam Hemsworth will take over the role of Geralt in season 4, bringing a different vibe to the show right from the beginning. In terms of the narrative, season 4 of The Witcher has the potential to be a fresh start while still building upon existing plotlines.

The events depicted in The Witcher season 3 revolved around the Thanedd coup, starting from the arrival of Yennefer and Ciri at Aretuza and leading up to the intense battle between Vilgefortz and Geralt. Throughout the season, it was revealed that Vilgefortz had been the ultimate villain all along, although this shocking revelation occurred only at the end of part 1. As episode 8 of The Witcher season 3 concludes this pivotal chapter in Geralt's story, it sets the stage for the introduction of seven new villains in The Witcher season 4.

7 The Rats

In The Witcher season 3's finale, Ciri joins the group known as the Rats. However, their role as villains in The Witcher season 4 depends on how the show portrays them. In the books, Ciri's time with the Rats is marked by controversial actions, particularly her frequent acts of killing. The theme of irreversible consequences after taking a life is prominent in The Witcher season 3, which Geralt tries to impart to Ciri on two occasions. Although she spares Cahir's life, Ciri ultimately takes someone's life in the finale of The Witcher season 3.

Ciri's elimination of the bounty hunter at the bar marks the beginning of her tumultuous journey separate from Geralt and Yennefer. The Rats, who have no qualms about taking lives, exert considerable influence that threatens to steer Ciri away from the valuable teachings imparted by Geralt and Yennefer. Ciri's enlightening visions in the Karath desert provide her with a renewed perspective on life, prompting the young Lion Cub of Cintra to relinquish her extraordinary abilities and embark on a divergent path. Additionally, one of the Rats' members is linked to a distressing event involving Ciri in the books. Predicting how Ciri's time with the Rats will be portrayed in The Witcher season 4 proves to be quite challenging.

6 Eredin & The Wild Hunt

The Witcher season 2’s finale marked the first appearance of the Wild Hunt on the show. It was revealed that the Voleth Meir witch was actually a member of this enigmatic group of ghost-like riders from another dimension. Although The Witcher season 2 did not delve into the details of the Wild Hunt, it hinted at their return in upcoming seasons. While the Wild Hunt has a significant presence in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt game, they play a comparatively smaller role in the original novels. In The Witcher season 3, the Wild Hunt made a comeback but were quickly vanquished by Geralt.

5 Emhyr var Emreis

Certainly, Geralt's initial encounter with the Wild Hunt in season 3 of The Witcher is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a potentially expansive storyline. Given that Netflix's live-action adaptation of The Witcher draws inspiration from both the books and the games, the Wild Hunt could very well serve as the primary antagonists in season 4 and beyond. It's worth noting that the origin story of the Wild Hunt in the Netflix Witcher universe differs from that of the games and novels. The Witcher: Blood Origin introduces new origins for Eredin and the Wild Hunt, which could also alter their motives for seeking out Ciri.

While appearing as a background presence in season 1, the Emperor of Nilfgaard, known as the White Flame, has now taken center stage as the primary antagonist in Netflix’s The Witcher. Although Ciri’s father was introduced in the first season, the true revelation of his role in the narrative was strategically held off until later. In the season 2 finale, The Witcher unveiled the shocking truth that Ciri’s father is alive and none other than Emhyr var Emreis, also known as the White Flame. Season 3 of The Witcher delves deeper into Emhyr’s character, gradually unraveling his plans for Ciri and the Continent. Nevertheless, Emhyr’s journey is far from concluded.

The Thanedd coup worked to the advantage of the White Flame, who always saw the Brotherhood of Sorceresses as a threat to his plans, notably after the Battle of Sodden Hill. Moreover, the untimely death of Aplegatt, preventing the delivery of Dijkstra's message regarding Nilfgaard's intentions, set the stage perfectly for the White Flame to launch a war against the Northern Kingdoms. This ongoing conflict marks the start of a second war between the North and Nilfgaard, granting Emhyr an even greater role in The Witcher season 4. Additionally, the appearance of Fake Ciri in Nilfgaard suggests Emhyr's sinister scheme for Ciri, although it remains uncertain whether the show will deviate from it.

4 Vilgefortz

After having relatively minor roles in seasons 1 and 2, Vilgefortz emerges as the primary antagonist in season 3 of The Witcher. Remarkably, Vilgefortz emerges victorious, having accomplished nearly all of his goals. The Brotherhood of Sorceress has been decimated following the Thanedd coup, the Witcher failed to protect Ciri and was easily defeated by Vilgefortz, and a false Ciri has been presented to the White Flame. Evidently, Vilgefortz's plan remains in motion, indicating a likely return of the sorcerer in season 4 of The Witcher. In fact, Yennefer explicitly characterizes Vilgefortz as the most formidable sorcerer of the current time.

In addition, based on the events in the books, there is an expectation for a rematch between Geralt and Vilgefortz in The Witcher. However, considering the show's tendency to alter the timeline and order of events, it is possible that Vilgefortz's story will be condensed, and the rematch may occur in season 4. Regardless, Vilgefortz, who now bears a scar on his face, reunites with Emhyr at Nilfgaard after successfully delivering "Fake Ciri" to the White Flame.

3 Morteisen

If The Witcher season 4 takes inspiration from Baptism of Fire, an anticipated major battle in the show could be the Battle for the Bridge on the Yaruga. This pivotal event marks Geralt's official emergence as "Geralt of Rivia" and holds significant significance for Liam Hemsworth's portrayal of Geralt, which begins in season 4. The formation of the group comprising Geralt, Jaskier, and Milva towards the conclusion of The Witcher season 3 further suggests that this battle is bound to occur. Morteisen, leading the forces of Daerlan, a region fiercely loyal to Nilfgaard, plays a pivotal role in the Battle for the Bridge.

2 Philippa Eilhart

1 Francesca Findabair

In season 3 of Netflix's The Witcher, Francesca Findabair's already tragic story takes an even darker turn after experiencing the loss of her newborn child, as well as the death of her brother and husband. As we look ahead to season 4, it's questionable whether Francesca's role in Baptism of Fire will align with the established narrative of the Lodge of Sorceresses. Nevertheless, driven by a thirst for revenge, Francesca could potentially serve as an antagonist for multiple characters in The Witcher's fourth season.