The first season of The Witcher introduced plenty of colorful characters, and while the fates of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri might be at the heart of the show's plot, it is through their encounters with the likes of Yarpen Zigrin, Triss Merigold, and Dara that the fans have discovered the most exciting stories and got to know the motivations and values of the protagonists themselves. While some of the beloved side characters like Borch Three Jackdaws and Mousesack have already made an appearance on the show, there are others that fans can't wait to see in The Witcher season 2 and after.
Netflix's The Witcher, based on the books by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, follows the intertwining stories of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), an enhanced monster slayer; Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress; and Cirilla (Freya Allan), a young princess forced to flee her home in search of her Destiny. While the show's first season focused on discovering the background stories of the protagonists, as well as setting the political and cultural scenes of the world, the second season promises to explore the character development, the escalating war, and even feature the Wild Hunt, a terrifying group of specters — the main villains of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — who are targeting Ciri because of her Elder Blood.
The casting and the released trailers of season 2 have confirmed the appearance of several notable side characters featured in the original books and the CD Project Red game series. Aside from meeting Geralt's witcher brothers at Kaer Morhen, among others, fans can look forward to seeing Nenneke (Adjoa Andoh), chief priestess at the Temple of Melitele; Philippa Eilhart (Cassie Clare), an advisor to Redania's King Vizimir II and leader of the Lodge of Sorceresses; and Dijkstra (Graham McTavish), a master spy and head of Redania's special forces, with the complicated relationship with Philippa Eilhart mentioned above.
The Witcher's side characters are just as compelling as the protagonists and add to the rich tapestry of the world. Their stories are emotionally-gripping, and the characters themselves are rarely plainly good or evil — just like real people, they are complex, with hidden agendas and diverse pasts. While it's unlikely that all of the distinct side characters from the original books or the game series will make it into the show, there are clear favorites that fans can't wait to see on screen.
Essi Daven
Nicknamed "Little Eye" due to her hair always covering one of her striking dark blue eyes, Essi is a talented bard and a good friend/professional rival of Jaskier. While she only appears in "A Little Sacrifice," a short story in Sword of Destiny, Essi's tale is considered by many fans to be the most beautiful and heartbreaking in the whole saga. It is a love story of her and Geralt that wasn't meant to be. They part ways and never meet again, and Jaskier (Dandelion) writes a beautiful love ballad about them that he never performs because of the story's quietly tragic ending.
Despite not being mentioned in the games directly, Essi is considered to be the inspiration for Priscilla, Dandelion's witty romantic interest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Her story can make for a beautiful and emotionally-intense episode in the future seasons of Netflix's The Witcher and add extra depth to Geralt's and Jaskier's characters.
Keira Metz
A luxury-loving and seductive sorceress and part of the royal council of King Foltest, Keira plays a vital role in the books in regards to the war with Nilfgaard, even though she doesn't get the attention she deserves. However, in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Keira becomes a memorable character, with a captivating story — chased out of Temeria and hiding from Redania's king and Nilfgaard's emperor alike, she poses as a village witch, deep in the Velen boondocks. Her encounter with Geralt can lead to some intriguing scenes and resolve, in the best scenario, with her going to Kaer Morhen and even potentially getting involved with Lambert, Geralt's witcher brother in arms.
As a headstrong and ambitious character, Keira can make a valuable addition to The Witcher show, both in her original and game versions. And given her connection to Lambert and flirtatious (at the very least) attitude towards Geralt, her role can add some unexpected twists, as well as tensions with Yennefer.
Iorweth
The commander of the Scoia'tael, mostly elven guerrilla fighters who have been radicalized by the hatred and mistreatment of non-humans, Iorweth (or Iorveth) is only briefly mentioned in the books but plays a major role in The Witcher 2. This hotheaded and cynical rebel, with a flair for the dramatic and a complicated relationship with Geralt and humans in general, would make an excellent addition to the show.
Considering that the first season's episode "Four Marks" has already introduced the topic of the elven-human tensions and the Scoia'tael are set to appear in season 2, fans are hoping that Iorweth will be given a chance to shine as well.
Zoltan
This immensely likable, boisterous, and drink-loving dwarf and Geralt's close friend appears relatively late in the books but is featured throughout the game series. He describes himself as a kind-hearted dwarf who understands that he can't be good to everyone, so he decides to be good to himself and those surrounding him.
A fierce fighter and a loyal friend, Zoltan embarks on several adventures with Geralt. In Baptism of Fire, he gifts him Sihil, a special sword forged by dwarves in Mahakam that features an explicit and affirming rune inscription. Zoltan's humor, unsatiable optimism, and warm relationship with Geralt would make an excellent addition to the show, as well as fill it with many memorable, even if R-rated, aphorisms.
Regis
Emiel Regis Rohellec Terzieff-Godefroy, a higher vampire who thankfully prefers to go by Regis, is the witcher's unlikely and close friend. Featured in both the books and The Witcher 3 DLC Blood and Wine, Regis used to be quite wild in his youth but has chosen to abstain from drinking blood in his older years as higher vampires don't need it to survive but rather use it for recreational purposes, akin to alcohol.
This polite, good-natured, and noble vampire is a loyal friend but can be a vicious fighter who protects those he cares about and is willing to sacrifice himself to save them. Regis is a clear fan favorite, and his dark past, close relationship with Geralt, as well as fascinating tales of their adventures, would fit the show perfectly, and fans can't wait to see him in it.