The Witcher recasts major role for season two due to coronavirus scheduling complications
Filming for the second series resumed in the UK last month after being halted due to the pandemic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Witcher has been forced to drop a key actor for its second season due to pandemic-related scheduling issues.
Actor Thrue Ersted Rasmussen was set to star opposite Henry Cavill in the hit Netflix show as Eskel, a fellow Witcher who will play a large part in the forthcoming second series.
Rasmussen had already begun filming as Eskel when lockdown measures and filming restrictions were enforced, leading to an amended shooting schedule.
He announced the “heartbreaking” news in an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (23 September).
The Fast and Furious star wrote to his followers: “Sadly, due to the rescheduling because of Covid-19, I will not be portraying Eskel in The Witcher. It’s heartbreaking, of course, but I mostly feel happy and grateful for the days I got to spend on set earlier this year.
“Everyone was extremely engaged and passionate about the project and it was a truly inspiring experience.”
The Danish actor went on to thank his fans for their “lovely, encouraging messages” and wished The Witcher team the “best of luck with the rest of production”.
Rasmussen concluded: “I’m sure season two will be absolutely amazing. And now I get to watch it as a fanboy instead of as a Witcher.”
The news comes shortly after the fantasy show resumed filming in the UK last month.
In June earlier this year, the series’ showrunner also announced that the pandemic will impact the story for the forthcoming second season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments