Netflix’s The Witcher Season 2 Faces Eskel Recasting Amid Scheduling Issues

Season 2 of Netflix’s The Witcher is currently back in production after a prolonged postponement earlier this year, but it appears its COVID-19 woes aren’t quite over.

While no cast or crew members have been tested positive, Deadline reports that scheduling conflicts as a result of the global pandemic has caused Thue Ersted Rasmussen to step down from the role of Eskel and leave the project altogether.

In his place will be Swiss actor Basil Eidenbenz (Denial, Victoria) to play as the supporting Witcher alongside Henry Cavill’s Geralt of Rivia.

“Sadly, due to the rescheduling because of COVID-19, I will not be portraying Eskel in The Witcher,” wrote Rasmussen to his fans on social media. “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.”

“A heartfelt thank you to all the fans who wrote me lovely, encouraging messages. I wish everyone on the show best of luck with the rest of the production. I’m sure season 2 will be absolutely amazing and now I get to watch it as a fanboy instead of as a Witcher.”

Despite the casting, it seems as though it won’ affect the premiere date of The Witcher Season 2, which is still expected to release on the streamer sometime in 2021.

Marion Frayna

Marion has a serious RPG addiction. Sometimes it bleeds into real life; he forgets to sleep because he thinks he has a Witcher’s body clock. Forgive him in advance if he suddenly blurts out terms such as “Mind Flayer” and “Magic Missile”, because never once does he stop thinking about his next Dungeons & Dragons game.