Background: The Witcher 3 has faced criticism within the Black community over how its official Geralt portrayal was handled, with some blaming cosplay culture around Red Dead Redemption 2 for broader misunderstandings. On December 25, The Witcher: Origins, a four-part spin-off spinning off the popular series featuring Henry Cavill, was released on Netflix. Viewers quickly gave it disappointing scores. The user rating hovered around 1.4 on Metacritic and about 10% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Many fans voiced strong disapproval of the new series, arguing that it distorts the universe. The screenplay drew the sharpest critique, though the portrayal and performances were also seen as unconvincing by a portion of the audience.
—CineMaster, Metacritical
“Terribly bad in every possible way. It feels like teenagers wrote this, and the edits show it”, commented enut_butter, on Metacritic.
“I have seen many poor films, but this one stands out as especially weak in both writing and acting”, noted Kerby One on Metacritic.
“The showrunners inserted agenda, identity politics, and social justice pursuits. They damaged and polluted the Witcher lore. Nobody asked for this. Fans want Geralt and the authentic Witcher from the books and games”, said Farkas9d on Metacritic.
“This series is the worst thing to happen to The Witcher. It also confirms rumors that the authors do not respect the source books and games created by Polish writers. I hope new series are halted and creators who truly know Slavic mythology are brought in”, commented C0mm0nSense on Metacritical.
“I’d rather watch all of Uwe Boll’s movies”, quipped nivrem a on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Come on, let’s make a Witcher show but change every core aspect of the original. I hope Netflix goes out of business; they just lost my subscription”, complained BA on Rotten Tomatoes.
“It’s not The Witcher anymore; it’s a cheap imitation trying to ride the success of the books and games. A disgrace”, stated Matheus G on Rotten Tomatoes.
“I watched the first episode for you… please don’t do this”, became a recurring sentiment among viewers who shared their reactions online.
The Witcher: Origins has sparked a broader debate about the franchise. Observers note the shift in tone and focus, with some arguing that the series loses the essence of the original material in favor of new, contested directions. The departure of Henry Cavill is cited by some as a turning point that intensified expectations and, for many fans, highlighted the mismatch between the show’s delivery and the beloved source material.
Commentators describe the spin-off as lacking the depth fans expect from a franchise rooted in rich folklore, hero legends, and complex world-building. Critics emphasize that the Witcher universe thrives on character decisions, moral ambiguity, and a faithful sense of place—elements they feel are missing here. The creative choices are seen as diverging from the books and games, which has led to frustration among longtime followers who hoped for a faithful extension rather than a reinterpretation.
Some watchers caution that while every adaptation faces scrutiny, a respectful, well-researched approach can honor established lore while inviting new audiences. They point to the importance of clear narrative goals, consistent world rules, and a thoughtful casting that reflects the diverse influences at the series’ core. This conversation mirrors a larger industry trend where fans expect adaptations to balance reverence for source material with fresh storytelling opportunities.
In discussions around the show, viewers frequently echo a wish for creators who understand the cultural origins of the Witcher universe and its Slavic mythological roots. Praise is often reserved for productions that thread authenticity with modern storytelling, avoiding superficial dramatizations that feel out of step with the source. As the discourse continues, many remain hopeful that future entries can capture the spirit of the Witcher while offering new perspectives that still respect the foundational material.
Source: VG Times