Filming Begins for the Final Season of ‘The Witcher’ in South Africa

Filming for the fifth and final season of ‘The Witcher’ commenced in South Africa on February 26, 2025, featuring Liam Hemsworth in the lead role. The production utilizes sets from the spinoff ‘The Rats: A Witcher’s Tale,’ and significant scenes involve Ciri in a fighting pit. Notable characters Yennefer and Triss are also involved, with filming projected to continue until September 2025, aiming for a 2026 release.

The filming of the fifth and final season of ‘The Witcher’ has commenced in Cape Town, South Africa, beginning on February 26, 2025. This marks a significant transition from the original filming location in Budapest, Hungary, where the first season started in November 2018. The final season now features Liam Hemsworth as the lead, stepping in for Henry Cavill.

This season’s production utilizes sets created for the spinoff, ‘The Rats: A Witcher’s Tale,’ which shares its setting with Season 5. The production, under the codename “Complete Chaos,” has introduced a unique approach by initiating filming in South Africa rather than at their usual Longcross Studios in England, and is set to continue until March 21, 2025.

Ciri, portrayed by Freya Allan, will face challenges in a fighting pit owned by the crime lord Dominik Houvenaghel. This plotline connects to the spinoff, as Houvenaghel’s realm serves as the backdrop for events unfolding in both narratives. The town, though unnamed in the series, is identified as Ebbing in the source material.

The filming locations also showcased areas such as Cederberg and Stellenbosch, where numerous props, including fake corpses, were observed. Notably, supporting characters Yennefer, played by Anya Chalotra, and Triss, played by Anna Shaffer, were present for their scenes, hinting at their significant involvement in Season 5.

While the initial month of filming has concluded, the entire production is projected to extend until September 2025, aiming for a release in 2026. However, Netflix has not yet publicly acknowledged the commencement of the filming for the final season, maintaining a level of silence surrounding the show since the less favorable reception of ‘Sirens of the Deep.’ The release of Season 4 is anticipated sometime in 2025.

The long-awaited filming of the fifth and final season of ‘The Witcher’ highlights a significant shift in location and narrative continuity, particularly with the inclusion of the spinoff’s sets. As the production progresses through South Africa, fans can anticipate notable character developments and story arcs. With filming expected to conclude in September 2025, the final season aims for a 2026 premiere, fostering high expectations despite Netflix’s recent reticence regarding promotional activities.

Original Source: www.whats-on-netflix.com