One of the writers of the series is a famous science fiction writer.
A renowned Russian science fiction writer contributes to the project. With a catalog that exceeds 150 works and titles that have become bestsellers, such as The Night Watcher and The Cull, the writer has earned numerous literary honors—nearly fifty awards in total. Given such prolific output, many would expect screenwriting to have followed naturally. Yet producers in Russia often favor adapting proven works rather than commissioning new screenplays, even from celebrated writers. In 2020, a well-known creator adapted one of his stories into a television series titled The Young and the Strong Will Survive.
From this backdrop, The Witches’ Hammer becomes a standout gift for a wide circle of fans and a bold signal that more literary voices can emerge into the Russian screen industry. The project team suggested reviving familiar characters, and the collaboration quickly found common ground between the creative team and the producers.
A magical world from the author of “While the Fern Blooms”
The director of The Witches’ Hammer is Evgeny Bedarev, known for family comedies like Brownie and the popular series While the Fern Blooms, which showcased the talent of Alexander Petrov. A veteran of fantasy storytelling, he helped craft a universe where present-day reality intertwines with the Russian fairy tale heritage. In the story, the powerful Lady of the Elements escapes confinement at the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Radiophysics and casts a spell on the city of Kalyazin: a magical wall of tumbleweed grows along the border, and residents transform into goblins, mermaids, and other spirits. A startup founder Lekha Popov, a programmer and former firefighter Ilya Muromtsev, and an ambulance driver and blacksmith Nikita Dobrynin step forward to confront the witch.
This approach to fusing folklore with modern life leans more toward the tradition of the Strugatsky brothers than toward American comics, with a strong emphasis on science-fiction pop elements. The choice seems well suited to the moment, as Russian cinema continues to explore fairy-tale material while seeking a more grounded, contemporary appeal. The blend promises a distinctive flavor that could stand out amid a crowded field of adaptations.
Lyusa Chebotina and other new faces in the cast
Lyusya Chebotina is widely recognized in Russia, especially for the mega-hit Monaco Sun, and she is actively building her acting career. By the age of 27 she had already accumulated more than a dozen credits, including Slave, but before The Witches’ Hammer her screen time was more modest. In Bedarev’s project, Chebotina receives significantly more opportunities, portraying a young village blogger who relentlessly pursues national fame. She has spoken about the demanding shoot schedule, noting long days and little sleep, yet she expresses no regrets and says she enjoyed the experience.
The ensemble offers a slate of fresh faces for Russian cinema. The standout newcomer is 23-year-old Vadim Sosnin, who plays Lekha Popov—the role marks only his fourth screen appearance to date. Other notable additions include Elizaveta Yuryeva as the Mistress of the Elements and Alina Voskresenskaya as Alyonushka Dobrynina. The trio’s performances hint at a bright future on screen and merit close attention as their careers unfold.
The glorious city Kalyazin and memes
The production shifts the action away from the capitals toward Kalyazin, a scenic town in the Tver region with a history that dates back centuries. The locale, with its iconic waterfront and the submerged bell tower, provides a dramatic backdrop and adds a tangible sense of place to the fantasy-infused plot. Operators captured sweeping shots of the town’s landscapes, giving the story a distinctive visual identity that will resonate with audiences.
Into the narrative, meme culture and contemporary online humor are woven with care, giving the dialogue a playful bite. The story includes jokes about Russians fending off spirits, crypto mining, and true-crime chatter, along with everyday blogger life. There are also affectionate nods to Russian culture, including memorable characters and clever magical flourishes, like a border wall crafted from whimsical weeds. The result is a lighthearted, entertaining tapestry that invites smiles while delivering its mythic core.
TV series “Hammer of Witches”
Premiere: late 2024
Release date of the final episode: late 2024
Duration: eight episodes of roughly fifty minutes each
Director: Evgeny Bedarev
Casting: Vadim Sosnin, Anton Batyrev, Matvey Zubalevich, Alina Voskresenskaya, Elizaveta Yuryeva, Andrey Sharkov, Yulia Galkina, Andrey Karako, Lyusya Chebotina
Where to watch: OK, Start