Not much has been revealed about Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of The Witcher book series, but series creator and showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich tossed Witcher fans a bone this week with a few new details. In the wake of a Netflix showcase event in Rome, Hissrich shared some Witcher information in series of tweets, giving us an idea of the show’s length, setting, and a (broad) release window.
Most notably, fans can now expect an eight-episode season of the show to hit Netflix in 2020—a long ways off, and fewer episodes than you might expect, but it’s all in the name of a quality final product.
“I know, I know, it may not seem like enough for you, but creatively, it’s the right call. The episodes can be tight, action-packed, rich in character and story, without lagging in the middle of the season. Sounds good to me, sound good to you?” wrote Hissrich concerning The Witcher‘s short season length. She went on to address the show’s projected 2020 release window, writing, “2020. Who knows?! We’re moving quickly ahead with everything—like, my head is spinning around Exorcist-style, except with enthusiasm, not evil possession—but one thing is certain: quality comes before speed. You’ll get it as soon as humanly possible, and it’ll be good.”
Such as it is, only the show’s pilot episode has been written so far, and according to Hissrich it still needs polishing. “I’ve finished the pilot, which yes, will be polished more when we cast/shoot,” Hissrich tweeted. “The other 7 episodes don’t yet exist, except in my head. And guess what? New writers are joining me soon, too!” For fans concerned about preserving the series’ Slavic roots, Hissrich also confirmed that the show will be shot in Eastern Europe, writing, “This show couldn’t exist anyplace else. Period.”
Beyond that, we’ve still got some waiting to do. Little else has been revealed about the show, and Hissrich (along with everyone else involved) remains tight-lipped for the time being—though she’s happy to answer what fan questions she can, adding, “Anything else? I’m here. (And no, we haven’t cast yet. Don’t even try.)”