Unleashing Unseen Powers: Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan & Joey Batey Reveal The Epic Battle to Protect The Witcher Family in Season 3

The third season of The Witcher has made a big impact on Netflix, especially because it brings an end to Henry Cavill's role as Geralt of Rivia. The show draws inspiration from Andrzej Sapkowski's stories, as well as the popular video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Although Geralt is the main character, Yennefer and Ciri play equally important roles in the story. Geralt's best friend, the bard Jaskier, also joins them on their adventures.

In addition to borrowing from the game, season 3 also takes elements from Sapkowski's novel Time of Contempt. The first 5 episodes of the season, which premiered on June 29, focus on Geralt repairing his relationship with Yennefer and their efforts to protect Ciri from the ruler of Nilfgaard, Emhyr. Rience, a mage, is hot on their trail, and they must venture into Aretuza to uncover the true mastermind behind the pursuit.

Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan & Joey Batey on The Witcher Season 3

Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview Chalotra on Yennefer's transition to Aretuza, her new alliance in The Witcher season 3. Additionally, Allan shared insights on how Ciri handles the evolving dynamics with her pseudo-parents, while Batey delved into Jaskier's blossoming attraction towards Radovid.

Screen Rant: The deep wounds of abandonment and betrayal in the past have not hindered Yennefer and Geralt from forming a family with Ciri this season. Their relationship has undergone a remarkable evolution to bring them to this point.

Anya Chalotra believes that Ciri plays a significant role in allowing the characters to better understand their connection. By focusing on Ciri and the bigger picture, they are able to see their bond for what it truly is, without unnecessary complications. This realization leads them to recognize the genuineness of their connection and the strong attraction they feel towards each other.

Additionally, I really enjoy witnessing Ciri as she develops her powers, Freya. In your opinion, what do you think is the primary hindrance preventing her from fully unleashing her potential?

Freya Allan faces a significant hindrance in the form of self-doubt. Despite possessing immense potential, she continuously questions her abilities, which is truly disheartening.

Jaskier is thoroughly enjoying this season and it's delightful to witness his more tender side. Could you provide insights into his thoughts on Radovid? What is the unfolding situation there? How does their relationship develop?

Joey Batey admires Jaskier's excellent ability to judge a person's character. According to him, Jaskier has a unique talent for seeing people as they truly are. The first challenge Jaskier has encountered in a while is Radovid, who presents a false front. Jaskier recognizes a connection with Radovid because he can relate to the act of hiding behind a mask or facade. This connection compels Jaskier to uncover the true identity of Radovid, and interestingly, it seems that Radovid is also drawn to Jaskier for similar reasons.

Anya, could you share your thoughts on the progression of the brotherhood and the complexities arising from conflicting allegiances? With ongoing deliberations regarding Nilfgaard and Ciri, how do you and your colleagues navigate these intricate circumstances?

Anya Chalotra acknowledges that, for the first time, she feels a deep sense of concern and importance towards a particular issue – an sentiment shared by her character, Yennefer. With conflicting loyalties, Yennefer recognizes that there is no space for Ciri. She believes that it is crucial for the world to become a better place for Ciri, and her long-standing opposition towards certain individuals or groups is due to their historical mistreatment or limitations imposed on her. There is a significant amount of resentment built up within her.

Nevertheless, Yennefer finds herself confronted with the realization that she may need to establish alliances with individuals she previously disliked in order to facilitate unity and bring the kingdoms together.

Ciri reaches a point where she decides to contact her father because she feels that her mother isn't meeting her needs at that moment.

Freya Allan explains that Ciri finds it challenging to view Yennefer in a different way, as someone other than the person she has always known. Ciri becomes frustrated with Yennefer's actions and questions why she is behaving in this manner, especially considering her intelligence. This frustrates and angers Ciri, as she feels that Yennefer is being insincere.

However, Yennefer is there to guide Ciri and teach her an important lesson - sometimes, one must adapt and be someone different. In the world they live in, filled with politics and people driven by their own agendas, it's crucial for Ciri to understand this. Initially, Ciri feels overwhelmed by this new environment. Coming from a group of witchers where authenticity is valued, she finds the artificiality of this world difficult to handle. She yearns for Geralt's presence and feels stuck in this unfamiliar situation. The fact that she ended up arguing further disappoints her, adding to her feeling of being overwhelmed.

About The Witcher Season 3

Monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent are in a fierce competition to capture her. In order to safeguard his newly-reunited family from those who seek to destroy it, Geralt takes Ciri into hiding. Yennefer, entrusted with Ciri's magical training, leads them to the heavily guarded fortress of Aretuza, where they hope to uncover more about her latent powers. However, instead of finding answers, they find themselves entangled in a web of political corruption, dark magic, and betrayal. They must fight back, risking everything, or face the possibility of losing each other forever.

Don't miss out on our other The Witcher season 3 interviews featuring:

MyAnna Buring & Therica Wilson Read

Cassie Clare, Graham McTavish & Hugh Skinner

The Witcher season 3, part 1 is currently streaming on Netflix. Season 3, part 2 will premiere on July 27.