The Witcher Defends Controversial Kids' Show After Parent Complaints
While the world of Netflix's The Witcher is largely packed with monsters, war, and more blood than the average Game of Thrones episode, that hasn't stopped the franchise from expanding into plans for a child-friendly series.
As the streaming giant reveals Season 3 before Season 2 is even out, the Witcherverse is growing at an exponential rate. Much like you wouldn't let your little kiddies watch the Battle of Helm's Deep or the Red Wedding, there are concerns that the marriage of The Witcher and a family-friendly show don't quite fit.
What has The Witcher showrunner said about the controversy?
We've already seen Witcher spin-offs, with The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf airing earlier this year and serving as an anime prequel for Geralt's mentor, Vesemir. It's neatly set up Killing Eve's Kim Bodnia for Season 2 of the main series. Anime is designed to be a brutal and bloody affair, but there have been a few raised eyebrows about a show for kids.
During Netflix's TUDUM event, there was the announcement of more anime, as well as "a new Kids and Family series set in the world of The Witcher". The comments section was soon filled with angry parents that don't think children should be exposed to The Witcher.
Taking to Twitter herself, The Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich addressed things head-on. "I agree, The Witcher is a dark, mature universe. I'd go further. It's controversial. Political. A microcosm of humanity, for all its goodness and evil", said Hissrich. "But I believe -- STRONGLY believe -- that the moral dilemmas and ethical grayness that adults love in this universe -- can be extrapolated to stories that kids in this chaotic world desperately need, and could benefit from."
What else do we know about The Witcher universe?
Hissrich clearly isn't going to change her stance on the controversy, so it sounds like you'll have to stop your little ones watching The Witcher if you have a problem with it. Netflix might be known for its graphic content, but there's a whole section for kids that keep younger viewers occupied.
Having faith in the future of the franchise, Hissrich added that while her own children are too young for The Witcher, they could benefit from a show set in this world, which "gets them and their small but meaningful place in the world", while serving as a "foundation from which to talk about big topics, racism, sexism, what it means to be a monster, and how we can fight back against those bleak black holes of humanity, so everyone knows there's a place for them."
Things are clearly in the early stages of development, and although we don't know exactly how this child-friendly project will play out, Hissrich says she's excited for more fans to join the Witcher world. Despite Hissrich's comments on the latest show, it's unclear whether she'll even be involved. Either way, Netflix is sure to toss a coin to your Witcher and watch the money flow in.