As a massive Witcher fan, I’m glad Netflix is finally acknowledging the missteps it took with past adaptations of the cherished franchise.

Like many dedicated fans, I was first captivated by the series through CD Projekt Red’s third game instalment, Wild Hunt, which hit the shelves in 2015. I gave Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings a whirl, but it didn’t quite resonate with me.

However, the third game was a different story, and I found myself engrossed in the brilliantly crafted quests, craving more. So, I delved into the original books penned by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and have since devoured all eight. This includes two compilations of short stories, five titles forming the main saga, and a standalone novel.

I’ve even dipped into over half a dozen volumes of the latest Dark Horse comics, offering fresh spins on the original tales. Yet, when Netflix first unveiled plans for a live-action adaptation, I couldn’t help but fear I’d experience what Game of Thrones book readers felt at the series finale, reports the Mirror US.

While Henry Cavill’s lead performance kept me hooked for a bit, the series as a whole didn’t meet expectations. The way the show tackled the source material became increasingly difficult to stomach. With Cavill’s exit and subsequent recasting, it seemed like the show was sinking. However, the release of Sirens of the Deep has rekindled my optimism for Netflix’s Witcher adaptations.

In the latest animated film, Geralt is tasked with investigating a series of attacks in a coastal village. However, he finds himself entangled in an age-old feud between humans and merpeople. With the help of old and new allies, he must unravel the mystery before the tensions between the two realms escalate into full-blown war. There are three reasons why Witcher fans like myself should be thrilled about this version.

The first is undoubtedly Doug Cockle. It seems obvious to cast the voice actor who has been the English voice of Geralt for the past two decades. Yet, it instantly lifts the entire production to a higher level. Doug Cockle is not just a veteran in his field but also as the character. I had the privilege of speaking with Doug before the film’s release, and he confessed that the character has become a part of him. This is evident in his performance. He understands Geralt better than anyone and sounds like he was always meant to be in an animated adaptation on Netflix.

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Secondly, the film is a genuine adaptation of one of Sapkowski’s original short stories, specifically A Little Sacrifice from Sword of Destiny. Of course, there are alterations, some quite significant. But like any good adaptation, they mostly make sense for the medium. They don’t detract from the original story’s message or themes. Nor do they impose unnecessary changes on the characters. All the key players shine.

While the Netflix series often used several of the short stories as inspiration for its episodes, they never quite hit the mark. Some felt rushed or simply incorrect, with jumbled timelines and misplaced characters. However, no aspects of Sirens of the Deep were problematic enough to detract from its overall enjoyment. Prior to this, Netflix has tried their hand at two Witcher spin-offs, one animated and another live-action.

Neither featured Geralt in a leading role nor were they based on any existing story. It seems like fans’ repeated calls for adherence to the original material are finally being heeded. Importantly, this is not an advertisement for anyone to watch the live-action series. There are minimal references to that show.

References to past events are rooted in Witcher lore, not just the series. The only commonality it shares are two cast members. Joey Batey does a commendable job reprising his role as Jaskier (or Dandelion, as fans know him), and interacts well with Cockle. Regrettably, even in voice alone, Anya Chalotra feels too youthful to portray Yennefer, but thankfully, this is the only lingering element from the live-action series. There’s a cheeky nod to a Cavill-ism, which, for some reason, became a catchphrase for his version of Geralt.

Letting Doug Cockle take the reins and permitting the film to stand independently, without forcing in nods to the Netflix series, suggests that the platform is taking lessons from previous missteps. It gives me hope that all may not be lost.

Granted, we Witcher enthusiasts might have to endure at least one more season of the current live-action series, watching Liam Hemsworth’s performance with a kind of grim fascination. Yet, perhaps the future of Witcher lies solely in animation.

The Witcher Sirens of the Deep is streaming on Netflix.

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