*photo courtesy of Netflix*
Over the weekend,
Netflix finally released one of the most anticipated Fantasy properties to ever be released in mainstream popculture with
"The Witcher" TV Series. Headed by showrunner
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and adapted from the popular Polish book series created by
Andrzej Sapkowski, the series follows the adventures of a number of key individuals living in the fictional
Continent, where all manners of kingdoms, beasts, and monsters exist and thrive for survival. Starring in this fantasy drama series is none other than English actor and self-professed gamer
Henry Cavill, who plays the lead role of
Geralt of Rivia - a witcher and monster hunter who lives in solitary and seeks to find purpose in this world where politics and greed make people more monsters than the beasts themselves.
*photo courtesy of Netflix*
Last December 12th, Netflix invited me and a couple of friends to a special event that was both intimate and spectacular - Showrunner Lauren Hissrich and Henry Cavill himself visited
Manila to promote the release of "The Witcher"! Both guests first met the press and media for a press conference at
Conrad hotel, which I myself attended and covered. Asked a series of questions about the show, from preparing for the role physically to doing his own stunts as Geralt, Cavill professed that he grew up reading fantasy stories and was a PC gamer himself. As "The Witcher" has spawned several video game adaptations that includes
CD Projekt Red's Trilogy of games, it comes as no surprise that the actor was vying for the part of Geralt - and he got his wish to play one of the most fascinating adventurer roles ever that is adored by many around the world.
*photo courtesy of Netflix*
On the afternoon of the same day, I also covered a special "Fan Event" at the newly opened
Ayala Malls Manila Bay, which Henry and Lauren also attended to meet and greet the fans who were looking forward to "The Witcher" and seeing the actor and showrunner in person. To say it was nothing short of breathtaking is an understatement - Henry Cavill took his time to meet those lucky to be nearby and in the barriers - signing autographs, memorabilia, and getting pictures with as much people as he possibly could.
*photo courtesy of Netflix*
With the atmosphere and excitement for the stars of the show complimented by some prizes, performances, and amazing cosplayers portyraying the main characters Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri,
I was fortunate enough to experience all of that and also meeting Henry in person as he gave off that wonderful smile he always does to everyone - Superman style.
*Video courtesy of Timzster*
After taking time to do fan service and greetings, Henry took to the stage to talk about The Witcher and greet the Filipino people with a "
Mahal ko kayo".:)
*Video courtesy of Timzster*
Finally after all the excitement in the afternoon, we were treated to a special theatrical screening of the first episode of The Witcher - "The End's Beginning". Henry Cavill, Lauren Hissrich, and the rest of the Netflix team gave a special introductory message before the show, and then the lights went off and we journeyed to the Continent to meet Geralt, Princess Ciri, and the rest of the characters in the story.
*photo courtesy of Netflix*
Without giving away too much, The Witcher is a fantasy drama show that will appeal to anybody who loves magic, demons, monster hunters, and following your destiny. It is now playing in Netflix and runs eight episodes for its first season.
