Why The Witcher Looks So Cheap Despite $319 Million Budget
Fans of The Witcher have noticed a drop in quality in the most recent part one of the third season.
The show's highly anticipated return has therefore left some viewers disappointed.
Leaving fans wondering what happened to the show's once-impressive standard.
Fans' Concerns with Season 3
Season 3 picks up with Geralt of Rivia, played still by Henry Cavill, as he continues his quest in a war-torn land, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it. However, fans have been quick to express their disappointment with this season's visual aspects.
Comments on Reddit have highlighted questionable editing, obvious reshoots with voiceovers, and VFX that appear unfinished and of poor quality. One notable scene fans have pointed out as a standout example is Yennefer's flashback to her youth with Ciri. The scene seems to have been obviously shot in front of a green screen, lacking the authenticity that the series has been previously known for.
A Change in the Series' Standard
While the budget for season 3 has not been officially disclosed, previous seasons reportedly had a combined budget of up to $319 million. This new season likely received a similarly hefty budget, only making its reduction in quality all the more surprising.
Like the second season, this installment was predominantly filmed in the UK, potentially leading to more studio-based shooting due to rising costs. Moreover, on-location filming may have been more challenging this season. Whereas season 2 was shot largely during the COVID-19 pandemic when more shooting locations were readily available during the country's lockdown.
However, these factors alone do not explain all the shortcomings the series is currently facing, and have left fans asking, what happened to the quality?
Implications for Season 4 and the Show's Future
Reports of Cavill's departure from the series due to concerns about the writing straying too far from the original source material have been widely circulating for some time. Last year, it was announced that Liam Hemsworth would take over the role of Geralt, which has received mixed responses from fans. However, speculations are beginning to arise that the noticeable decline in production quality may have contributed to Cavill's decision to exit.
As an A-list star and arguably the most recognizable cast member, Cavill may have been promised a series on par with the production quality of series such as Game of Thrones. Witnessing the seasons' gradual decline could have been his tipping point.
With Henry Cavill's departure and the introduction of a new lead actor for season 4, the show's future remains uncertain. Now with its declining quality and fans wondering if the series will be able to recapture its magic once again, The Witcher faces a real problem if it receives a drop in loyal viewers.
The season, fortunately, still has a chance to redeem itself. The second half of season three will be available on July 27th. If its finale manages to pull off a fantastic show-stopper, perhaps fans will be more forgiving of its blunders so far.