Percy Jackson season 2 stars reassure fans about book changes - but admit they’re still “nervous”
The stars of Percy Jackson and the Olympians have made sure to reassure fans about the changes made from the books for season 2. The upcoming season will see Percy sail to the Sea of Monsters to rescue his friend Grover and save Camp Half-Blood, and is based on the second beloved novel in Rick Riordan's fantasy series. It's been established that there are a few more changes this time round compared to season 1, however, actors Dior Goodjohn (who plays Clarisse La Rue, the daughter of Ares) and Daniel Diemer (who plays Tyson, Percy's cyclops half-brother), have assured fans that they have nothing to worry about. Goodjohn exclusively told Radio Times: "I think [fans will be] very, very pleased. You always get a little bit nervous, at least I do when I see a change just because I know how much these books are the fans' baby, they're the fans' parent, they're the fans' son, they're everything. "So you get nervous like, 'Oh, I wonder how they're going to respond?' But then you continue to read and you're like, It's executed so phenomenally. I think when the fans that have read the book see it, they'll just be so pleasantly surprised." Diemer added: "Even if things are changing, the heart of the books and the heart of the characters, that remains the same. I think that's the most important part. "It doesn't feel like they're trying to make something that's their own. It all has to do with putting together an entire show. But they're trying to keep the heart and soul of Percy Jackson very, very much alive throughout. I think if that's the priority for the fans, then they're going to be very, very happy." The author of the series, Rick Riordan echoed this during a chat with Radio Times, saying: "I think we were fairly confident that most of the tweaks that we had done would be well received. We had many, many conversations about that. "And I will say this, I think everyone on the team is very mindful of the legacy of the books and the audience and what they're expecting. So while I don't think we feel imprisoned by that, I do think that we all feel a sense of obligation and respect toward the material. So everyone's coming at it from the same point of view, which is really lovely. I mean, anytime you translate from one media to another, you have to make changes." As for what those changes are, and what the fans think, only time will tell! But one thing's for sure, everyone is very ready to return to Camp Half-Blood. Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 will return to Disney Plus on 10th December. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Thrones' new spin-off series gets final epic trailer with Targaryen chaos - as its second season gets major update
Our return to Westeros is fast approaching.
Sky has unveiled the final trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ahead of the series' premiere. The six-part series, which is based on George RR Martin's popular trio of Dunk and Egg novellas and will serve as a prequel to Game of Thrones, will be released on Sky and NOW on 19th January 2026, with episodes airing weekly. Set 100 years before Game of Thrones, and 72 years after House of the Dragon, the story will take a view of Westeros from the ground up, following Dunk and his resourceful squire “Egg”, who is actually the young Aegon V Targaryen, as they journey through the Seven Kingdoms. The footage shows the lowly hedge knight arriving in the small town of Ashford Meadow in the middle of the Reach in Westeros, where he attempts to earn some money by entering a tourney as a knight - only to be mocked by those around him - and appears to have a lighter tone than Game of Thrones. The trailer also gives fans a first look at the series’ take on the Targaryens, and they’re certainly not being put on the pedestal we're used to. "If I can call myself a champion, some great house might take me into its service, perhaps even house Targayren", Dunk says, before Raymun (Shaun Thomas) warns him that Targaryens are "incestuous aliens" and "tyrants". Watch the trailer for yourself below: View oEmbed on the source website The release of the trailer comes as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gears up to start shooting its second season. Showrunner Ira Parker announced the news at HBO Max's presentation in London on Wednesday (3rd December), revealing that season 2 is set to begin production next week in Belfast, Ireland. The second season is expected to premiere in 2027. Parker previously revealed that the Game of Thrones spin-off will break from franchise tradition in a big way. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Parker revealed the new series won’t feature the grand title sequence that was present in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Talking about how this decision was made in order to reflect the attitude of main character Dunk, Parker said: "All decisions came down to Dunk, trying to channel the type of person he is into every aspect of this show, even the title sequence." He continued: "The title sequences on the original [Game of Thrones] and House of Dragon are big and epic and incredible. Ramin Djawadi’s score is orchestral and large and beautiful. That's not really Dunk’s MO. He’s plain and he’s simple and he’s to-the-point. He doesn't have a lot of flash to him." A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be released on 18th January on HBO. House of the Dragon series 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Good Omens' Michael Sheen teases how fans will react to upcoming finale and argues it "should have been 6 episodes"
"Brilliantly directed, beautiful performances, fantastic new looks, incredible work all round."
Good Omens fans have been patiently waiting for some kind of update on season 3, AKA the finale episode, for months – and, now, star Michael Sheen has delivered! The Aziraphale actor revealed that a screening of the finale took place this week, admitting that he "laughed and cried" at the "beautiful" ending to the story. Responding to a fan who said that a "little bird was singing" about a screening that had happened, Sheen wrote on X: "So this is a big bird saying - we had a screening last night. I laughed and I cried." He added: "There’ll be bits you absolutely love and there’ll be things you’ll argue about of course. It should have been 6 episodes but it’s not. Thank God for what it is. Brilliantly directed, beautiful performances, fantastic new looks, incredible work all round. And there’s nightingales." The 90-minute finale episode will wrap up the story of Sheen's angel Aziraphale and David Tennant's demon Crowley, who decide to team up to prevent the Apocalypse. Last season saw the pair's relationship develop into a romantic connection, with the two of them sharing a kiss – and fans are desperate to see how things pan out. View oEmbed on the source website As Sheen mentions, Good Omens season 3 was originally planned to be six episodes long, but was shortened to one 90-minute finale last year, with Neil Gaiman, co-author of Good Omens, exiting the TV series after he was accused of sexual assault, which he has strongly denied. He contributed to writing the Good Omens finale but he did not work on the production and his production company Blank Corporation was not involved. A total of nine women have spoken out against the writer, with their accusations being detailed in a Vulture article published in January 2025, and in a Tortoise Media podcast released in July 2024. Allegations included claims that Gaiman engaged them in "rough" sex and BDSM without their consent. The novelist has firmly denied any non-consensual or illegal conduct in a statement. He said: "As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don't, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. "I'm far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever." While not many details have bee revealed about the finale, Tennant also spoke about it in an episode of ITV's The Assembly earlier this year, saying: "We're doing Good Omens again. We're going back to do the final. We're doing a final. There's been a slight rejig with the personnel. "But we still get to tell that story which I think it would have been very difficult to leave it on a cliffhanger. So I'm glad that's been worked out." Good Omens seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Prime Video. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Mighty Nein release schedule: When are new episodes out on Prime Video?
It’s time to grab your pink lollipop and Uk'otoa card game as the long-awaited adaptation of Critical Role’s second role-playing campaign, The Mighty Nein, has finally landed! First announced back in January 2023, the series follows the beloved ragtag band of fugitives and misfits on their magical adventures in the realm of Wildemount, with the threat of war looming over the powerful reality-shaping arcana relic known as "the Beacon". But what's next for the gang? Here's everything you need to know about when episode 4 is released. How many episodes of The Mighty Nein are there? There are eight episodes in total of The Mighty Nein season 1, released across November and December. This marks a much shorter run of episodes in comparison to Critical Role’s first animated series, The Legend of Vox Machina, which consisted of 12 episodes across the three seasons. However, the episode runtimes are a lot longer, ranging from 42 to 48 minutes in length compared to TLOVM’s 22-minute episodes. Star and CEO of Critical Role Productions Travis Willingham recently explained to fans at GalaxyCon San Jose 2025 that this was due to feedback about the pacing in TLOVM. “We were trying to cram so much stuff into these twelve-episode seasons,” Willingham explained, “and because of that, a lot of the feedback that we got was like, 'Man, the pace is so fast. I wish it would just take a breath.' “And we feel the same way. But we're also trying to accordion so much stuff into a season. We did the math one time and it was somewhere between uh squishing 28 to 32 hours [of gameplay] down into twelve, 22-minute episodes per season. Which is crazy! It's almost impossible.” “But going 44-minutes meant we have a little bit more road, a little more runway” he continued, “each season has more time total to be able to tell those stories. And it was important to us to start from an origin perspective for Mighty Nein” The Mighty Nein release schedule: When are new episodes released? Critical Role fans are certainly being treated with a three episode premiere, but from there on out it’s back to the weekly drop format for the animated series. Here's an overview of the release schedule for The Mighty Nein: The Mighty Nein episode 1 – Mote of Possibility – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 2 – Who Will You Be? – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 3 – The Fletching & Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities – Wednesday 19th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 4 – The Mighty Nein – Wednesday 26th November 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 5 – Little Spark – Wednesday 3rd December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 6 – Many Gifts – Wednesday 10th December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 7 – Belonging – Wednesday 17th December 2025 The Mighty Nein episode 8 – The Zadash Job – Wednesday 22nd December 2025 The Mighty Nein premieres on Prime Video on Wednesday 19th November 2025. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
New Harry Potter TV series star reveals reaction to letter sent from Daniel Radcliffe and why he had to keep his cool
McLaughlin said he was "going mad" when he received the letter from Radcliffe.
After Daniel Radcliffe explained that he sent a letter to the star of the new Harry Potter TV series Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor himself has revealed how he reacted to receiving it. McLaughlin, who will be playing Harry in the new adaptation of JK Rowling's books, was appearing on Saturday Mash-Up! Live, when he was asked about Radcliffe's letter. He said: "Oh yeah, I got a letter from the man himself, Daniel Radcliffe. It was insane. I was on the train back up to Glasgow, because we were going home, and my dad just tapped me on the train and just gave me this letter. "I read it and then I got to the bottom, and it said, 'Dan R'. I was going mad, but I had to keep it cool. I was on the train." Speaking on Good Morning America last month, Radcliffe said: "I wrote to Dominic and sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back. "I don’t want to be a spectre in the life of these children, but I just wanted to write to him to say, ‘I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did – I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time.' "I just see these pictures of him and the other kids, and I just want to hug them. They just seem so young. I do look at them and say, ‘Oh, it’s crazy I was doing that at that age.’ But it’s also incredibly sweet, and I hope they’re having a great time." McLaughlin will lead the cast of the series which will also star the likes of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Meanwhile, one actor who previously appeared in the film series will be reprising his role, with Warwick Davis returning to play Filius Flitwick. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X, in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”. In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”. Harry Potter actors including Radcliffe, Grint and Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. Read more: 13 ways the Harry Potter TV series could be salvaged – from Peeves to Voldemort's death Harry Potter TV series' Hagrid has key element questioned by original film director: "Part of me was like, what's the point?" Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
James Bond icon confirmed for major role in Wednesday season 3 – debunking Lady Gaga theory
A familiar Tim Burton collaborator is joining the Netflix series.
Wednesday season 3 has found its Aunt Ophelia – and it isn't Lady Gaga, as some fans had predicted. The character was briefly glimpsed at the end of the recent second chapter, but her face was never shown, leaving fans to speculate as to who might embody the long-foreshadowed role. One leading theory was that Gaga's character – Nevermore teacher Rosaline Rotwood – might have been revealed as Ophelia in disguise all along, but this has been debunked by a major new addition to the Wednesday cast. We now know that Casino Royale star Eva Green will play Aunt Ophelia in season 3, with the French actor telling Tudum that she "can't wait to bring my own touch of cuckoo-ness to the Addams family". The casting isn't a total surprise given that Green has a long history of collaboration with Wednesday director and executive producer Tim Burton, dating back to 2012's gothic comedy Dark Shadows. They two would later reunite on Burton's adaptation of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and most recently on Disney's live-action Dumbo remake, which hit cinemas back in 2019. In a statement, Wednesday co-creators and showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar said: "Eva Green has always brought an exhilarating, singular presence to the screen – elegant, haunting, and beautifully unpredictable. "Those qualities make her the perfect choice for Aunt Ophelia. We’re excited to see how she transforms the role and expands Wednesday’s world." Ophelia is the estranged sister of Morticia Addams (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), who we have briefly seen locked up in the spooky home of Grandmama Hester (Joanna Lumley) scrawling three menacing words: "Wednesday must die." "The re-emergence of Ophelia is going to hit this family like a bomb," Gough teased (via Tudum). "It was always the plan to give viewers a glimpse of her at the end of the season in a way that they weren't expecting, and then that's a driver into season 3." Further casting for season 3 will be announced in due course, but Ortega is confirmed to reprise the lead role, with co-stars Emma Myers (Enid) and Hunter Doohan (Tyler), plus Zeta-Jones, Lumley, Luis Guzmán (Gomez) and Fred Armisen (Fester). Wednesday season 3 is coming soon to Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add Wednesday to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Joanna Lumley dishes on Ghost Story for Christmas: "I'm not tremendous on gore but I do love frightening stories"
The Ab Fab and Amandaland star dishes on ghosts, ghouls, and gore.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. The day Radio Times visited the set of the Ghost Story for Christmas, The Room in the Tower, Dame Joanna Lumley was filming a pivotal scene, unrecognisable under impressive prosthetics. It is only between takes that her trademark plummy timbre confirmed that, yes, it was her under the make-up. “I do like a scary story. I’m not tremendous on gore but I do love frightening stories,” she enthuses afterwards. This is probably just as well, given her acquaintance with the genre. In the 1973 Hammer horror The Satanic Rites of Dracula, where Christopher Lee’s titular Transylvanian plotted to exterminate humanity, Lumley played Jessica Van Helsing, the often-screaming object of the count’s affections. This year, she appeared in Netflix’s Addams Family reboot Wednesday as Morticia’s mother, Hester. And in between, there was also the slightly terrifying Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous. “She can’t be killed,” Lumley says, merrily. “She lives off air and alcohol and smoke and drugs.” To that oeuvre, she now adds Mark Gatiss’ adaptation of the EF Benson story for what is the Sherlock writer’s eighth chilling tale for Yuletide. In it, Tobias Menzies plays a man haunted by a recurring dream of being invited to stay in a house that hides an unseen terror. Lumley plays its sinister mistress. It is The New Avengers and Amandaland star as you’ve never seen her before. I ask the most obvious question: does she believe in ghosts? “I do believe that there are ghosts. We know what happens to our bodies – to bones, to dust, then gone – but I can’t believe that the rest of it, the soul or the mind or the spark, just goes too. It goes somewhere…” She also believes in God – or something bigger than us at least. “I adore classical music and I’m so lucky to be married to a musician [conductor Stephen Barlow] because I learn from him all the time, and I do believe that there is such a thing as ‘the divine spark’.” She carries on with enthusiasm, “Mozart wrote his manuscripts, practically without a single error. It’s as if he became a conduit from some extraordinary power. Papa [Joseph] Haydn was the same. When you hear their melodies, you can understand what that power is. All those great creators believed in gods. They had a sense of godliness. And I think if we skip out on that, we’re missing out on something. View Green Video on the source website “We’ve become unbearably vain and destructive and we can’t remember how to stop destroying. If history could be written by anything other than human beings, we would be seen as a plague, unable to stop breeding, to stop destroying, using up, never replacing. “We’re a pretty wretched bunch. So, we’ve got to strive not to be completely bloody, to make amends for humans’ dreadfulness to each other and the planet.” Which brings us neatly to Christmas. Lumley is a fan, with the exception of one aspect: “I hate the way Christmas now starts in October. When I rule the world, I would declare that Christmas cannot start until well into December!” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this Christmas. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
It: Welcome to Derry fans left stunned by "expertly handled", game-changing episode 5 reveal
*Warning: Major spoilers ahead for It: Welcome to Derry episode 5.* The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here, as Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise made his long awaited arrival into It: Welcome to Derry – and it did not disappoint. The terrifying creature has appeared in various other forms throughout the series, which is based on the Stephen King novel, manifesting as the children of Derry's worst nightmares, but finally took his Dancing Clown form in episode 5. Following the disappearance of Matty, our heroes have been haunted by horrors, but in the latest episode, they find their friend alive – or, so it seems. The group declare they want to stage a rescue for the other children held hostage by Pennywise, so Matty reluctantly leads them into the sewers – where it's revealed that Pennywise has been posing as the child all along. View oEmbed on the source website It was a big risk for the showrunners to hold back Skarsgård for this long, but the big reveal has been well worth the wait, as the Pennywise we know and hate finally puts in an appearance to terrorise the children of Derry face-to-face. Fans have had their say on the episode, with one posting on X: "It took five episodes, but the buildup and reveal of Pennywise was expertly handled. Again, I applaud the show's restraint in not plastering him everywhere, proving Welcome to Derry can stand on its own without leaning on Pennywise. #ITWelcomeToDerry" Another said the episode was amazing and "just the beginning", while one more said that the reveal was "chefs kiss" as the "show just keeps getting better and better". Another fan said: "It: Welcome to Derry has done a phenomenal job of building week by week to get to the return of everyone’s favourite dancing clown and they did not disappoint… PENNYWISE IS BACK!!" "Pennywise HAS ARRIVED! WOW. That’s how you make an entrance! This clown isn’t for kids, it will play with your fears & then eat you up! I love #WelcometoDerry!," one more added. Already, our heroes have come close to death in episode 5, with Leroy almost accidentally killing his own son. As for how much longer they can survive? Only time will tell. It: Welcome to Derry continues on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Mondays. Add It: Welcome to Derry to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
Everything we know so far about Hazbin Hotel season 3 – from release date speculation and returning cast to plot teasers from creator Vivienne Medrano.
Following the climactic two-part season 2 finale, fans of the hit adult animated musical comedy Hazbin Hotel are already looking to book their next stay in the Hellaverse. Fortunately, the series has already been renewed for two more seasons – and thanks to the reveal from Vox actor Christian Borle at GalaxyCon New Orleans, we know that the cast has finished recording the third instalment, with recording already under way for the fourth. A24 and Prime Video confirmed that Hazbin Hotel seasons 3 and 4 were greenlit back in July 2024, with creator Vivienne Medrano announcing the news during the Amazon Studios animation panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Hazbin Hotel season 3 will see Erika Henningsen return as Charlie Morningstar, while Stephanie Beatriz will also be back as Vaggie. Series creator Vivienne Medrano has also confirmed that Jeremy Jordan will return as Lucifer, who is Charlie's father. So, without further ado, here’s what we know so far about Hazbin Hotel season 3. Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation Fans had to wait for 1 year and 8 months to pass between the finale of Hazbin Hotel season 1 and the premiere of season 2. But with recording already complete for the third season, fans hadn't been expecting to weather another huge gap between seasons. However, when asked recently about the season 3 timeline, Vivienne Medrano gave a disappointing update. In an interview with Collider, she said: “I would say [it will be] a similar wait for Season 3…but less of a wait for Season 4 because they were greenlit together.” Based on this update, season 3 will most likely debut in the summer of 2027. Hazbin Hotel season 3 cast Hazbin Hotel season 3 will once again star Erika Henningsen as Charlie Morningstar, the founder and manager of the titular rehabilitation establishment, alongside Stephanie Beatriz as her girlfriend Vaggie. The third season will also feature the highly anticipated return of Jeremy Jordan as Charlie’s father, Lucifer, as confirmed by creator Vivienne Medrano. Here's an overview of the other key players from Hazbin Hotel season 2, many of whom are likely to return for the third entry: Erika Henningsen as Charlie Stephanie Beatriz as Vaggie Keith David as Husk Kimiko Glenn as Niffty Alex Brightman as Sir Pentious Blake Roman as Angel Dust Amir Talai as Alastor Christian Borle as Vo Joel Perez as Valentino Patrick Stump as Abel Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as Rosie Jeremy Jordan as Lucifer (returning for season 3) Hazbin Hotel season 3 plot theories Hazbin Hotel season 3 certainly set the ball rolling for further exploration of the soul ownership deal between Alastor and Rosie. With that long-awaited reveal of his past life, the series is also set to delve into why Alastor was absent for so long. Medrano recently shared in an interview with Polygon, “The Rosie and Alastor deal is the first stepping stone in a much bigger story that involves so much, moving into season 3. Obviously, that is a perfect question: How is she that powerful? The answer could be many things, but the answer is in season 3. I’m very excited for people to see it.” The third entry is also set to delve deeper into Charlie’s complicated family dynamic, with the exciting return of Lucifer, along with more revelations about the mysterious Lilith, queen of Hell, who Medrano describes as “iconic” to the Hellaverse. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the next instalment, Medrano said: “I don't think it’s too much of a spoiler to just say season 3 is really the Morningstar season. Lucifer is one of my personal favourites, so anything to do with him and all the relationships he has that develop throughout the show to me are some of my favourites.” Is there a Hazbin Hotel season 3 trailer? It looks like those pesky demons have been at play again, as unfortunately there's no footage yet - just the seasons 3 and 4 announcement. We'll update this page when that changes. Hazbin Hotel season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Thrones spin-offs House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms get futures confirmed by HBO
Get ready to return to Westeros once again, because HBO has confirmed that two Game of Thrones spin-offs will be returning for another season. HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has officially announced that House of the Dragon has been renewed for season 4, while A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been renewed for season 2, before it's even premiered. Bloys stopped short of confirming whether or not season 4 will be the final instalment for Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, explaining that decision is down to showrunner Ryan Condal (who has previously said he plans for the show to end with season 4). “For all of [our] shows, we generally try to leave it to the creators to make that decision. We’ll work with them. Sometimes, people will work through the season to feel like, ‘Does it feel like a natural end? Does it not?’ So, I don’t have updates for you on any of that. But when we do, I’ll let you know," Bloys explained. Starring Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke and Matt Smith, House of the Dragon follows the Targaryen dynasty, about 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Season 3 recently wrapped filming, and is set for release in summer 2026. Meanwhile, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which looks set to be a lighter offering from the world of Westeros if the recent trailer is anything to go by, is set a little later – about 100 years before Game Of Thrones – and follows the adventures of hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). It seems Game of Thrones author George RR Martin is a little more on board with how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been adapted, following his complaints about House of the Dragon. He previously said on his blog that the spin-off is “as faithful an adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for". "I’ve seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them," he wrote. "Dunk and Egg have always been favourites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible. The rest of the cast are terrific as well. Wait until you guys meet the Laughing Storm and Tanselle Too-Tall. He continued: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is an adaptation of The Hedge Knight, the first of the novellas I wrote about them. It’s as faithful as adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for (and you all know how incredibly reasonable I am on that particular subject)." Meanwhile, various other Thrones spin-offs are also in development, so fans won't be left wanting. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be released in January on Sky and NOW. House of the Dragon season 3 will be released in summer 2026 on Sky and NOW. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter icon Daniel Radcliffe reveals emotional reaction and letter he penned to new TV series star
"I do look at them and say, 'Oh, it's crazy I was doing that at that age.'"
Daniel Radcliffe has revealed that he wrote a letter to 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin, who will lead HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation. In an interview on Good Morning America, Radcliffe – who played Harry Potter across eight films – explained that he knew some of the people working on the new production so he was able to reach out. "I wrote to Dominic and sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back," the actor said. "I don’t want to be a spectre in the life of these children, but I just wanted to write to him to say, ‘I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did – I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time.'" The actor concluded: "I just see these pictures of him and the other kids, and I just want to hug them. They just seem so young. I do look at them and say, ‘Oh, it’s crazy I was doing that at that age.’ But it’s also incredibly sweet, and I hope they’re having a great time.” View oEmbed on the source website Radcliffe and Rupert Grint were also 11 when he was cast in the first movie, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, while Emma Watson was 10. In 2023, HBO announced that all seven novels in JK Rowling's hugely popular children's book series were set to be adapted into a new TV show. The three lead child stars were confirmed in May 2025, with Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout set to star as Harry, Hermione and Ron. Other actors on the show will include John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Hogwarts headmistress Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, Paul Whitehouse as Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch and Nick Frost as gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor Hagrid. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”. In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”. Harry Potter actors including Radcliffe, Grint and Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. Read more: 13 ways the Harry Potter TV series could be salvaged – from Peeves to Voldemort's death Harry Potter TV series' Hagrid has key element questioned by original film director: "Part of me was like, what's the point?" The Harry Potter series will stream on HBO. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox's plan succeed?
Vox’s plan to take over Heaven nears completion, but does he succeed?
**Warning: Contains spoilers for the Hazbin Hotel season 2 finale.** The tempestuous conclusion to Hazbin Hotel season 2 is upon us. Although Heaven is no longer a threat, Vox has whipped Hell up into a frenzy. Determined to become a god, he’ll seemingly stop at nothing to achieve his goals. With Lucifer trapped inside the very weapon Vox manipulated Carmilla Carmine into building, victory is within his grasp. Using Lucifier as his power source, Vox blows the pearly gates off their hinges and leaves heaven exposed. Charlie was already feeling the pressure, but with Alastor captured and Angel Dust missing, Hell’s princess is on the back foot trying to stop a holy war. But all isn’t lost, for the hotel’s ragtag gaggle of guests has a plan: to broadcast proof of Sir Pentious in Heaven. Once sinners see the truth, surely they’ll stop supporting Vox? Heaven is more than ready to assist, with Sera still desperate to atone for her past mistakes. Unfortunately, to create a broadcast link, the gang needs to break into V Tower. As if that wasn’t already dangerous enough, they also need to rescue Angel while they’re inside the belly of the beast. In short, this last stand against Vox is a monumental undertaking. Without further ado, it’s time to delve into the nitty gritty details of the Hazbin Hotel season finale. Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox take over heaven? Vox’s transformation into the foreboding antagonist of season 2 has been impressive. As this season has progressed, his obsessive need for power has continuously secured him victory over Charlie. But as his ambitions have grown, so too have the risks, and in the final episode, hubris comes back to bite Vox. Unable to resist being the strongest sinner in all of hell, Vox inadvertently helps free Alastor, with the Radio Demon now having a score to settle with his captor. As much as Vox wants to rule over Hell and Heaven, he really wants to beat Alastor, which ends up being his downfall. Overtaken by his own arrogance, Vox transforms into a spider-like monster. Yet, he still proves to be weaker than Alastor now that Al has his full strength back. Vox, however, has one more trick up his sleeve: Shock.wav. He calls for his pet to save him, helping to keep Alastor busy while Vox uses Carmilla’s weapon to aim, not at Heaven, but at Alastor. The sinners he was so passionate about protecting quickly become irrelevant, with Vox hellbent on destroying everything, even if it ends up taking out half of Pentagram City. All looks lost, until Velvette attacks Vox. This opening gives Val enough time to confront his business partner/lover. Angry that Vox would risk killing them all over “that stupid deer”, Val lets out his frustration by ripping Vox’s head from his body. Although Vox has finally been subdued, the weapon is still ready to blow, and there doesn’t seem to be any way of stopping it. Is Pentagram City saved? One threat is down, but an arguably worse one has replaced it. As Carmilla explains, “It’s no use, we won’t get clear in time.” It looks like the end. Yet Emily, now injured by Vox’s weapon after getting caught in the crossfire, refuses to give up. Stumbling towards the machine, she tries to use her power to silence the weapon for good. Her bravery is the match that lights the fuse by encouraging everyone else to help. Slowly, the characters combine their strength in a last-ditch show of hope and unity. Even the Vees join in. This combined power lifts the weapon to a safe distance before it explodes, ensuring that Pentagram City is saved. But what of Lucifer? He was trapped inside the weapon, unbeknownst to Charlie. Thankfully, he survives, though he’s pretty banged up. With Alastor and Lucifer destined to have a “unique” relationship, it makes sense that the King of Hell has avoided death. Does Alastor break free of his deal? Once a powerful overlord, Alastor has been reduced to quite the pet this season. When he allowed himself to get captured by Vox, fans were left wondering what the clever deer had in mind. Well, his grand plan has finally been revealed. Upon making his deal with Vox, Alastor stated two conditions: Nifty and Husk needed to be spared, but more importantly, Vox wasn’t to lay a hand on Charlie Morningstar. As we know, Vox is a very tactile individual, which is what Alastor’s been banking on. But first, Vox needs the right encouragement to touch Charlie. This is where Alastor’s deal with Rosie comes into play; if you remember, Alastor wanted to be the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. Yet, now captured, Vox has amassed power that rivals Alastor’s own; he just needs someone to say it. Charlie is the key here. Broken and embarrassed, Vox seizes the chance to humiliate her further by asking her to admit that he’s now the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. She’s reluctant to do so until Alastor asks her to do a small favour for him, referencing the deal the two made in season 1. Forced into a corner, Charlie admits, on camera, that Vox is the strongest. And right on cue, Alastor’s chains binding him to Rosie are broken. Blind to what’s happening, Vox is so overjoyed that he places his hands on Charlie’s shoulders, thus releasing Alastor from his deal with Vox. What happens to Angel Dust? Despite Husk and Cherri coming to his rescue, Angel has to grapple with the reality that he’s been a spy for Vox. As if that isn’t upsetting enough, Angel almost strangled Cherri to death when she tried to rescue him because Val ordered him to. While Angel eventually came to his senses, with a little encouragement from Husk, the guilt he feels is enough to keep him bound to the Vees. Consequently, Angel leaves the hotel, returning to V Tower with the Vees, much to the twisted delight of Val. In Angel’s own words, “You’re not safe around me.” As Angel leaves, Husk quietly begs him to come back. Does Charlie hear from Lilith? All season, Charlie has been leaving voicemails for her mum, only for the Queen of Hell to ignore them. It’s been a source of great anguish for Charlie, but in the aftermath of Vox’s defeat, Charlie seems to have come to terms with her mum’s estrangement. In a closing call to her mother, she explains that she’s there for her mum whenever she’s ready to get in touch. No sooner has she put the phone down, Lilith calls a shocked Charlie back. Hazbin Hotel seasons 1-2 available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 2 release schedule: When are episodes 7 and 8 out?
We've reached the end of another chapter in the chaotic series!
Hazbin Hotel season 2 has concluded its run on Prime Video, so it's time to get stuck into the musical comedy if you've been holding out for a binge watch. The series follows Charlie Morningstar (Erika Henningsen), the princess of Hell, after she opens a rehabilitative hotel intended to help move souls onto heaven, while fixing an overcrowding issue down below. RadioTimes.com contributor Emma Flint said that Hazbin Hotel "hits its stride" in season 2, but expressed some disappointment about the rushed nature of the later episodes – and a lack of anticipation built up for the stories to come. All eyes now turn to Hazbin Hotel season 3, which is already confirmed, as fans speculate over where creator Vivienne Medrano could take her gleefully unhinged animated universe next. When is Hazbin Hotel season 2 finale out on Prime Video? Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 8 – fittingly titled Curtain Call – is available to stream now on Prime Video. It was released, along with penultimate chapter Weapon of Mass Distraction, on Wednesday 19th November 2025. The season was released in four double bills. How many episodes are in Hazbin Hotel season 2? Hazbin Hotel season 2 is comprised of eight episodes in total, which have been released over a period of four weeks. Hazbin Hotel season 2 release schedule Hazbin Hotel season 2 was released fairly rapidly across four weeks, with two episodes dropping each Wednesday until mid-November. Here's an overview of the release schedule on Prime Video: Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 1 – New Pentious – Wednesday 29th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 2 – Storyteller – Wednesday 29th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 3 – Hazbin Hotel: Behind Closed Doors – Wednesday 5th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 4 – It's A Deal – Wednesday 5th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 5 – Silenced – Wednesday 12th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 6 – Scream Rain – Wednesday 12th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 7 – Weapon of Mass Distraction – Wednesday 19th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 8 – Curtain Call – Wednesday 19th November 2025 (out now) Hazbin Hotel is available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
The second animated adventure from the "nerdy-ass voice actors'" role-playing campaign is upon us!
Critters can finally dive back into the expansive world of Exandria – albeit on the new continent of Wildemount – with the next animated adventure from the Critical Role gang, adapting the beloved second campaign, The Mighty Nein. With a new adventure comes a whole new raft of characters, factions and missions. The Mighty Nein is quite the different beast to The Legend of Vox Machina, with a war looming large on the continent and a greater focus on arcane magic and relics. The main voice cast are all back, along with a whole host of big-name guest stars, including Disney icons Ming-Na Wen and Auli'i Cravalho, Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes, Dune: Prophecy star Mark Strong and a newer guest star at the Critical Role table, voice actor Robbie Daymond. But who are the new roster of characters who make up this ragtag band of misfits and fugitives? Who's in the cast of The Mighty Nein? Below is the main line-up for The Mighty Nein – the second animated series from the cast of Critical Role – which is now available to stream on Prime Video. Read on to find out more about the cast and characters. Laura Bailey as Jester Lavorre Taliesin Jaffe as Mollymauk Tealeaf Ashley Johnson as Yasha Nydoorin Matthew Mercer as Essek Thelyss Liam O'Brien as Caleb Widogast Marisha Ray as Beauregard Lionett Sam Riegel as Nott the Brave Travis Willingham as Fjord Stone Laura Bailey plays Jester Lavorre Who is Jester Lavorre? Fan favourite character Jester is a tiefling (with water genasi ancestry) cleric of the Traveler and a member of The Mighty Nein. Born and raised in the Lavish Chateau, she is delightfully chaotic, but her penchant for pranks soon gets her into trouble with a powerful politician Fearing for her daughter’s safety, Jester’s mother – the Ruby of the Sea – hires Fjord (Willingham) to help her escape from the city guards and travel to the Pillow Trove in Zadash. However, that’s trickier than it sounds, as she’s a blue tiefling with bright blue hair and wields a giant pink spiritual weapon – a lollipop! She also talks to her invisible best friend, the god known as the Traveler. The show’s vibrant visuals (Jester’s included) is an element which Critical Role star and CEO Travis Willingham believes will particularly resonate with viewers: “Visually, this group is striking. A blue tiefling, green goblins, orcs, humans in stark black-and-white. And unlike Vox [Machina], this group is heavy on magic – Jester’s divine chaos, Fjord’s eldritch sword, Caleb’s fire, Molly’s blood magic.” Taliesin Jaffe plays Mollymauk Tealeaf Who is Mollymauk Tealeaf? Mollymauk is a lavender tiefling blood hunter with red eyes and lavishly adorned curled horns. He’s a flamboyant tarot reader for the carnival – The Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities – until an unexpected incident with a dangerous new act causes a catastrophic event. Described as having an “endearing wit” which is a “stark contrast to his mysterious ability to manipulate blood to his will”, all is not as it seems with Molly, especially as he begins to experience strange, fragmented memories. Molly’s magic – and the series’ larger focus on arcane magic – is certainly intriguing. Willingham teases that it’s “central and personal”, hinting that Molly’s blood magic “opens a new domain”. Ashley Johnson as Yasha Nydoorin Who is Yasha Nydoorin? Yasha is a barbarian woman from the wastes of Xhorhas in the Kryn Dynasty. She’s known by many titles, most notably “The Orphan Maker”, a harrowing moniker earned through her roving mercenary work. Ashley Johnson fans may need to temper their excitement, though, as the character doesn’t appear in many of the Mighty Nein's early adventures. This reflects Johnson’s absence from the second campaign while filming the television series Blindspot. Executive producer and star Sam Riegel explains: “She appears at the edges at first – the pilot and a few later episodes. She doesn’t meet the main group until later. For fans, it might feel strange, but it’s intentional.” Matthew Mercer as Essek Thelyss View oEmbed on the source website Who is Essek Thelyss? Essek is a Kryn elf and an elite spy for the Dynasty - a powerful nation in Wildemount who are integral to the larger political machinations of the campaign. The elf, voiced by Dungeon Master Matt Mercer, will stop at nothing to protect those he loves. The Kryn Dynasty stands on the brink of war with the Dwendalian Empire - most notably over a missing arcane beacon - and the Mighty Nein might just have inadvertently found themselves caught in the middle of it! Liam O'Brien as Caleb Widogast Who is Caleb Widogast? Caleb is a human wizard and a member of The Mighty Nein who first forges an unlikely ally with his partner-in-crime, the goblin known as Nott the Brave (Riegal). The pair initially run into Beauregard during their travels to the The Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities, before begrudgingly becoming allies. A somewhat dishevelled wizard with a penchant for fire magic – and, being a Liam O’Brien character, a tragic past – Caleb is haunted by guilt and on the run from his former life. On creating the character, Riegel teased: “Liam built Caleb as someone who had committed something unforgivable and struggled with self-forgiveness.” Marisha Ray as Beauregard Lionett Who is Beauregard Lionett? Beauregard, or Beau, is a human monk of the Cobalt Soul and a (somewhat unwilling!) member of The Mighty Nein. Described as “part MMA fighter and part kickass detective”, she’s been tasked with a secret mission to root out corruption within her order following a suspicious explosion. Her first encounter with some of the Mighty Nein didn’t go to plan, as partners-in-crime Caleb and Nott inadvertently set her horse free while she was travelling to meet an informant. Marisha’s character in the second campaign couldn’t be more different from her first, with Willingham noting: “The real grounding comes in the pairings... Those relationships are where they find belonging. Beau’s just out there being Beau!” Sam Riegel as Nott the Brave Who is Nott the Brave? Nott is a rogue goblin whose pickpocketing tendencies often land her - and her new friend Caleb - in trouble. Armed with a crossbow, alcohol, and a mysterious porcelain mask, the goblin is another character running from a painful past. Riegel reflected on creating the character: “I wanted Nott to struggle with alcohol abuse and also reflect the trans experience.” “Whenever we start a new campaign, we’re given themes about what the campaign might entail and a location” he continued, “then we develop characters on our own. Some of us paired up – Liam and I worked on Nott and Caleb together.” Travis Willingham as Fjord Stone Who is Fjord Stone? Fjord is a half-orc warlock/paladin and a member of the Mighty Nein. Tasked with protecting Jester as they travel to Zadash, he wields a mysterious glowing sword which grants him strange powers – following the explosion of the ship he once worked aboard, the Tide's Breath. Willingham recalls: “I remember being on a long flight from Australia and creating Fjord in 16 hours – pirate ships, water, eldritch energy. The Southern accent came later, thanks to a Scooby-Doo session I’d done.” Riegel quipped: “Travis made his character really hot.” To which Willingham laughed: "That’s my flaw.” The Mighty Nein premieres on Prime Video on Wednesday 19th November 2025. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Dr Kay in Stranger Things season 5? Linda Hamilton character explained
Everything we know about Linda Hamilton’s mysterious new character Dr Kay in Stranger Things season 5 – including plot details, cast info and what the Duffer Brothers have revealed so far.
Stranger Things has certainly had its fair share of iconic '80s guest stars across its four seasons. From The Goonies’ Sean Astin as fan-favourite character Bob Newby to A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Robert Englund and The Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes, the beloved Netflix show is set to continue the tradition with its latest instalment. Joining the cast for the fifth and final season is potentially its biggest guest star yet – as the series looks set to go out with a bang – with creators the Duffer Brothers managing to snag none other than sci-fi icon and Terminator star Linda Hamilton.. As we head back to Hawkins and the horrors of the Upside Down for the very last time, what can we expect from the shady-looking Dr Kay in Netflix’s beloved '80s inspired sci-fi adventure? Here's everything we know so far about Linda Hamilton’s mysterious Stranger Things character! Who is Dr Kay in Stranger Things season 5? Described as a new government agent leading the investigation into the Upside Down in Hawkins, Dr Kay appears to be stepping into a similar role to Dr Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine), following his death in the penultimate episode of season 4. With the town under military quarantine and the hunt for Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) intensifying, Dr Kay has been described as another key antagonist for Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and the party to contend with, as she investigates the increasingly chaotic events while the Upside Down bleeds into the real world. “She’s hyper-intelligent and intimidating,” Matt Duffer told Empire. “She’s a scientist but if she needs to, she can get into a fight and shoot a gun.” And judging by the season 5 trailer, she’ll certainly be joining the fight. Despite being billed as a major obstacle for the group, she appears to bolster their ranks in the battle with the show's big bad – Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). As teased in the footage, there’s an intense action sequence for fans to look forward to, as an explosive battle rages between government officials and waves of attacking Demogorgons. Amidst the fray, Hamilton can be seen standing alongside other soldiers firing their weapons at the deadly humanoid creatures who have escaped from the parallel universe. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Duffers also revealed that the new character brings an “unhinged quality” and is described as “so scary” because she has no emotional connection to Eleven. “There was that paternal quality that Brenner had. Dr Kay has none of those feelings. She really views her just as a weapon that needs to be acquired.” Looks like it’ll be Judgment Day for Eleven! Who is Linda Hamilton? Actor Linda Hamilton is the latest in a long line of iconic '80s stars to join the behemoth Netflix show. She’ll be instantly recognisable to fans for her work across both TV and film – most notably for her role as Sarah Connor in James Cameron’s Terminator franchise. First appearing in the role back in 1984’s The Terminator, Hamilton went on to star in two further major instalments – most memorably in the beloved sequel Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which saw her undergo an impressive transformation from the first film, and later in the sixth film, Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), as she returned 35 years on from the original alongside co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hamilton also voiced the character in threequel Terminator Salvation (2009) and appeared in the Universal theme park attraction T2-3D: Battle Across Time. Fans of NBC’s spy comedy Chuck will also recognise Hamilton as Mary Bartowski, the estranged mother of Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) – who was revealed to be a CIA agent. Very fitting! But not content with saving the world in the Terminator franchise, Hamilton looks to be doing the same in the Stranger Things universe, as the seemingly apocalyptic events signal one final stand against Vecna. So how did the Duffers Brothers get such an icon on board? Turns out she was a huge fan of the hit Netflix show all along! “I don’t know how to be a fangirl and an actress at the same time,” she said during a video announcement at the Netflix Tudum event back in 2023. “I’m gonna work on that. I’ll see you in Hawkins.” As we buckle up and grab the tissues for what’s bound to be an emotional rollercoaster of a fifth and final season later this month, let’s hope this isn’t “hasta la vista, baby” for Hawkins! Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 will be released on Thursday 27th November in the UK. Seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to <a id="menurjqo" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link The Radio Times Podcast">The Radio Times Podcast.
How anime has led the way in the battle against climate change
Tackling environmental topics is in the very DNA of the medium.
Storytelling naturally reflects the culture and climate it's produced in – yet few films and shows appear to be tackling the biggest threat to both. According to Climate.gov, 2024 was the warmest year since global records began in 1850 (by a wide margin) and the 10 warmest years on record have all occurred in the past decade. Floods and heatwaves are increasing as the climate crisis grows, yet Western takes on this issue remain few and far between, especially when it comes to children's fare where they could make the most impact. Since Ferngully left a lasting impression on millennials in the early '90s, not many animated films have continued where it left off. Just The Lorax and Pixar's Wall-E stand out as two notable exceptions when it comes to tackling environmental issues in animation. It's a different story in Japan, however. Anime has long incorporated themes of this nature, tapping into traditional Taoist and Shintoist beliefs that prioritise ecological harmony and respect for the natural world. The Godfather of Anime, Tezuka Osamu, did so as far back as the '60s with Kimba the White Lion, and more adult stories like the Black Jack manga, where an unlicensed surgeon used his money to fund environmental projects. It's Studio Ghibli that often comes to mind first, however. Even before the studio was named as such, co-founder Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a post-apocalyptic saga where the key to surviving a polluted world came from understanding the resilience of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. View oEmbed on the source website Plenty of other Miyazaki films continued this outlook further including Spirited Away, where the cleansing of a polluted river spirit is vital to the story and My Neighbor Totoro, which celebrates the beauty of rural life and preserving natural spaces. Aside from Nausicaä, however, it's Princess Mononoke which comes up most regularly in these conversations, thanks to the central conflict between forest spirits and human encroachment where industrialisation threatens life itself. Crucially, Miyazaki avoided any obvious route in, offering up a more complex examination of both sides without outright condemning one or other. Humanity is violent throughout the film, for example, but Lady Eboshi, its leader, also cares deeply for those in need, building an entire community for lepers and other social outcasts. That's not to say Miyazaki let humans off the hook entirely. "I’ve come to a point where I just can’t make a movie without addressing the problem of humanity as part of an ecosystem," he said in an interview with Asia Pulse around the film's release in 1997 (via Asia Pulse). The same is also true for Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, who put his own unique spin on that conflict in Pom Poko, swapping out wolves and forest spirits for shape-shifting Tanuki (raccoon-dogs indigenous to Japan) who engage in extreme guerilla tactics similar to radical groups like Earth First! and the Earth Liberation Front. Such ecological concerns aren't just limited to Studio Ghibli. A host of different anime creators have explored similar issues, from child-friendly fare like Doraemon, Dr Stone and Miyori's Forest to more mature titles such as Parasyte: The Maxim and Makoto Shinkai's Weathering With You. One that's endured longer than most is Pokémon, which has encouraged climate awareness since the '90s with a celebration of biodiversity that fosters love for all living things. Most Pokémon are inspired by real-life plants and animals, after all, including one whose transformation has been influenced by climate change directly. A species named Corsola is a coral-themed Pokémon that needs clean water to live. Polluted waters discolour and even break the growths on its back. The Pokémon games Sword and Shield introduced an evolved version of Corsola that's essentially dead as a result of global warming. The Cursola have changed type from water to ghost, bleached like real coral that's died due to ocean acidification and global warming. It's just as well that this franchise is using its power for good because the global popularity and impact of Pokémon cannot be overstated. Just this week, protesters showed up at the United Nations climate conference dressed as Pikachu, aiming to stop the financing of coal and natural gas projects across Southeast Asia. What this reflects so well is how anime often speaks to the power that systemic organisations hold in such cases, emphasising the need for structural change over individual consumer behaviours which come to the fore more in Western equivalents. Yet despite all this, climate education in Japan is nowhere near as strong as you might think. Despite the severe issues the island nation faces due to climate change, from massive rainfall to intensifying heatwaves, indifference to these problems is growing. According to a 2023 Cabinet Office survey that polled 3,000 adults (via The Japan Times), only 31 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds and 30.3 per cent of those in their 30s replied they were interested in climate issues. Meanwhile, 60.4 per cent of respondents over 70 said they were interested, which isn't ideal because you'd want this to flip the other way where the future of this planet is concerned. That's not to say anime can't inspire real change where the climate crisis is concerned. In a 2019 study, researchers from the University of Tokyo found that including animal characters in animated shows can increase public interest in real wildlife. Through their research, (now Associate) Professor Fukano Yūya and his team found that animals in a popular anime called Kemono Friends received 4.66 million more Google searches and 1 million Wikipedia page views than they had in the 18 months prior to broadcast. Crucially, this boost in interest led to increases in real-world conservation activity as the specific species featured received larger public donations across Tokyo zoos. Kelvin Tang, a postdoctoral climate education researcher at the University of Tokyo, tested this connection directly in a 2023 workshop (via The Japan Times) where he introduced 10 young children to ideas around climate change through simple cartoons and videos. Asking them to draw a picture of how they envision Japan's future climate 50 years from now, some drew a burning forest or even a burning Earth while others drew pretty flowers or grassy fields. "I see this as a hope," says Tang, "because some students, after learning about climate change, about this alarming situation, still have that hopeful future (in their minds),” he said. The resulting conversation led to students suggesting what they can do to help, whether it be turning off lights or reducing meat consumption. "The key is to find how to really harvest this hope," adds Tang, "for them to be an agent of change, to change these concerns into constructive action." In the same article, attention is drawn to a new series of anime shorts called Future Kid Takara, where the kid and a scientist go back in time to flee environmental disasters and discover the "beautiful Earth" that no longer exists for them in the future. Early signs of climate change here and now portend the apocalyptic era they hail from. The 11-episode series aims to inspire hope for positive change among elementary school students with educational, classroom use in mind. By organically conveying this vital message in an animated story like Future Kid Takara, the idea is to educate but also empower young people to change the future together, shaking off the mindset that hope is lost already. With such a long history in this field, anime remains the perfect vehicle to mainstream these concepts already and inspire further change. It's in the very DNA of this medium, after all. But it's not just Japanese animation that should aspire to make a difference. Powerful storytelling across the board is needed on a global scale to inspire action at a time when our reliance on fossil fuels is increasing as fast as the temperature is worldwide. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Mighty Nein review: Critical Role level up with magical new adventure
The Wildemount adventures begin as Critical Roles expands its animated universe.
Critters can once again delve into the world of Exandria with the long-awaited adaptation of the nerdy-ass voice actors’ most viewed – and undoubtedly most beloved – live-action tabletop role-playing campaign, The Mighty Nein. The animated version of their second live-streamed games has long been on the wishlist of fans following the release of The Legend of Vox Machina, and it’s certainly been quite the wait since the show’s announcement back in January 2023. Spanning over 550 hours and six major story arcs across three and a half years, there’s plenty of source material for the Critical Role gang and Titmouse, Inc to sink their (mimic) teeth into, with at least two seasons on the way. The team has evidently taken on board viewer feedback about TLOVM’s rushed pacing, with the first season of The Mighty Nein starting from a session-zero perspective – laying the groundwork for this brand-new collection of complex characters. Set around 20 years after the events of The Legend of Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein unfolds on the continent of Wildemount, on the brink of war. Political tensions are at breaking point between the two powerful nations of the Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty. Drawn together by a tragic event – and seemingly by circumstance – the “motley group of assholes" find themselves at the centre of a major play for power, as a powerful arcane relic known as The Beacon falls into dangerous hands. The group of fugitives and outcasts attempt to band together to expose the false flag that’s been set in motion, and in turn, help save the realm from all-out war. The adventuring party has seriously levelled up with a treasure trove of arcane magic – there are brand new spells, new powers and new feats this time round. Unlike their more stereotypical predecessors, this band of misfits consists of a more intriguing collection of classes and species. There’s the utterly chaotic Tiefling cleric Jester (Laura Bailey) and her travelling companion Fjord Stone (Travis Willingham), an orphaned half-orc warlock and sailor who’s exhibiting strange powers from an acquired arcane sword. Nott the Brave (Sam Riegel), an alcoholic goblin rogue with certain pick-pocketing tendencies, soon partners up with the dishevelled and deeply depressed wizard Caleb Widogast (Liam O'Brien), who’s currently wanted for murder. The pair bump into Beauregard "Beau" Lionett (Marisha Ray), an abrasive monk from the Cobalt Soul who’s investigating potential corruption in her order. The group converge at the Fletching and Moondrop Traveling Carnival of Curiosities, where Mollymauk "Molly" Tealeaf (Taliesin Jaffe), a tiefling blood hunter and tarot card reader, currently resides. The show also lays the foundations for Yasha Nydoorin (Ashley Johnson), an Aasimar barbarian and famed mercenary from the wastes of Xhorhas. Straight from the get-go, it’s clear that The Mighty Nein is a different beast to the high fantasy of its predecessor. This is an undoubtedly bigger and darker world, with a greater focus on the complex political machinations and moral ambiguities at play throughout the various warring factions. The story itself feels more developed, with higher stakes and an exploration of mature themes, delving into the follies and corruption of power. And the longer episodes – coming in at around the 45-minute mark – are a marked improvement, giving more room to establish and explore the characters while setting the stage for the intricate setting. Packed with court intrigue, political plays, clandestine organisations and plenty of twists and turns, the overarching narrative is also a more gripping outing. View oEmbed on the source website Despite the more ambitious setup and mature tone, the CR gang have retained the incredibly character-driven storytelling, with the endearing pairings and party dynamic front and centre. There’s also a greater focus on backstory – particularly Liam O'Brien's scruffy wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's orc warlock, Fjord. Adapting a second D&D campaign brings with it more complex and refined character builds, and the MN are certainly a fascinating bunch. They’re more morally grey than Vox Machina, but also far more compelling and nuanced, especially as the VM party intentionally leaned into more straightforward fantasy tropes. There’s also plenty more inner demons and buried pasts to unearth – with some tantalising teases at what’s to come – and while Liam’s characters can occasionally veer into overly emotional territory, overall there’s a stronger balance struck across the band of misfits. Rest assured, the adult humour is still in abundance too, with some genuinely hilarious moments – primarily courtesy of fan favourite Jester. Laura Bailey is a genuine standout, and there’s some brilliant moments throughout the party members as they capture the amusing chaos of failed roll attempts (“Oh f**k you, water!). And yes, there are a lot of changes from the original campaign, with certain events and key players from arc three onwards – namely Essek Thelyss and Trent Ikithon, the Luxon beacons, the Volstrucker and the Cerberus Assembly – introduced much earlier. But this makes for a much more rounded story and a stronger jumping-on point. There’s also something here for both new and diehard fans, with the inclusion of events that Critters didn’t get to see in the original campaign, along with an impressive roster of guest actors, including Mark Strong, Ming Na Wen, Nathan Fillion and Jonathan Frakes. The animation from Titmouse, Inc once again brilliantly brings this more magical outing to life, featuring vibrant, distinctive character designs and richly detailed environments – particularly the stunning Lucid Bastion of the Kryn Dynasty. The studio excels at translating D&D’s intricate magic systems to screen, impressively depicting the array of incantations and components that make each spell feel tactile and real. Two gorgeously animated dungeon crawls – both taking the form of heists – also stand out, alongside fun and immersive locations such as the Lavish Chateau (complete with its own musical sequence), a travelling circus, a certain beloved shopkeeper’s establishment, and the prestigious Soltryce Academy. Eagle-eyed fans are once again rewarded with a treasure trove of Easter eggs to spot – “318008” being a particular favourite! The biggest drawback of this first outing is simply that you don’t want it to end. As the credits roll on the final episode, it’s hard not to feel a pang of disappointment that the CR gang chose to wrap things up just as the characters and storylines start to meaningfully converge. It’s a conclusion that feels a little premature. Still, it’s an excellent slice of magical mayhem that lays the groundwork for a more expansive outing and deeper character development – with some very exciting teases for what’s in store… The Mighty Nein will begin on Prime Video on 19th November. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
It: Welcome to Derry risks ruining Pennywise for good with one fatal mistake
Welcome to Derry dares to hold Pennywise back – only to reveal far too much.
Eddie who? Richie whatshisname? As strong as the cast were in Andy Muschietti's IT, Pennywise is always the first name that comes to mind when you think of his twofold adaptation. As such, it didn't take long for Bill Skarsgård's deranged clown to dance its way into our hearts and nightmares alike (while showing up occasionally in my therapy sessions too). It's safe to say then that if there's one thing we'd want to see more of in the prequel series Welcome To Derry, it's Pennywise, even if it was reduced to a weird gross baby puddle by the end of IT: Chapter Two. The show is set 27 years before the events of the first film, making it easy to bring Pennywise back in its full splendour. Yet for the first few episodes, Skarsgård doesn't show up at all. IT is there, of course. It's in every nook and cranny of Derry, its evil seeping into every brick and the mind of every resident. Stephen King's most recognisable antagonist even shows up to terrify a new batch of kids each week, but not in his most recognisable form. Instead, IT appears as various nightmares made flesh, from Lilly's pickled father to a baby-faced demon in the premiere. It would have been easy to simply rely on the iconography of Pennywise, maximising the show's scares by giving viewers what they came for. But what you want isn't always best for you. Muschietti and his team smartly recognised that in writing this show, choosing to hold back on revealing Pennywise in full until five episodes in. Risky? Yes, but this was actually the best way to reintroduce a once-terrifying character who audiences have grown somewhat desensitised to. How could you not after Pennywise was meme'd into oblivion back when the films first came out? Building on the tension that comes with waiting to see it, this idea that Pennywise could leap out at any moment, helped remind us how scary IT really is while erasing those dancing memes from our minds completely. It's unfortunate then that Welcome To Derry risks undoing all this, not through how much Pennywise is shown but rather because of how much its backstory is. In King's original novel, we learned that Pennywise is a monstrous shape-shifting entity that crash-landed millions of years ago in Derry. This cosmic force of horror can shapeshift into your nightmares to feed off your fear, although its true form is that of golden lights, or "deadlights," that can drive anyone mad upon seeing them. Every 27 years, IT emerges to feast, mostly on children, before hiding away again below the town that's poisoned by IT's presence. This raises a number of questions. Why does IT favour the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown? Why doesn't this inter-dimensional entity venture out beyond Derry? And why does IT love to float so goddamn much? In an early interview with SFX (via GamesRadar), Muschietti teased that answers will be coming in season one of Welcome To Derry and beyond: "We're opening a window. Everything that we are setting up in season one, that will really manifest in two and three, is a look into all the bigger questions about IT. 'What does IT want? Why is IT here?' All the cryptic elements of IT that we're going to ruin and explain." View Green Video on the source website It's safe to assume that Muschietti was joking about his plans to "ruin" the wider mythology, but he accidentally did it anyway. The whole point of IT and Pennywise specifically is that this unknowable entity of unspeakable evil can't be explained away or ever fully understood. There's no logic to nightmares, and IT is a nightmare personified, the very essence of what you fear most sculpted out of the darkest recesses of your mind. Every horror fan knows that what you imagine will always be so much scarier than what's shown on-screen. That's why the '90s IT miniseries starring Tim Curry faltered when Pennywise's true form was revealed to be that of a janky-looking spider at the end. And it's not just what's shown that can have an impact either. Over-explaining is just as bad in its own way, especially with an evil as abstract and weird as this one. In episode four, Welcome To Derry dives deep into the origins of Pennywise, adding lore that wasn't even included in the original book. It's revealed that a dagger made from the same material as the meteor that Pennywise landed with can hurt the monster. In centuries past, thirteen sacred shards crafted from that metal were buried deep in the earth around Derry's western wood where IT lived, trapping it there. Each one was buried in a turtle shell, hinting at the role Maturin the cosmic turtle has long played in the battle against Pennywise. Sounds silly, right? What works on the page doesn't always translate well to screen, especially when it comes to aquatic reptiles of a cosmic nature. And that's also true of IT's expanded origin story, which Muschietti hints will be delved into further throughout future seasons. That's going to be a disaster if the military storyline we've seen so far is anything to go by. Lines like "Derry is a prison and we're looking for the bars," aren't just absurd in isolation. They also speak to just how odd and misjudged it is to see military officers try to weaponise something as unknowable as Pennywise. Even the name itself, IT, speaks to an ambiguity that's central to the power this idea has to unsettle us, a power which this narrative undercuts brutally. The result inevitably demystifies IT and robs the entity of its power. As smart as it was to tease Pennywise's physical appearance in the prequel, it was anything but wise to begin chipping away at its mystique. And therein lies the show's true horror. Because if Stephen King never explained why Pennywise stays in Derry, for example, why should the show? And more importantly, why should we care? It: Welcome to Derry continues on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Mondays. Add It: Welcome to Derry to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Wheel of Time star Rosamund Pike speaks out on show's cancellation and reveals the chances of it ever returning
The beloved fantasy show was cancelled earlier this year by Prime Video.
Fantasy fans are still mourning The Wheel of Time after its shock cancellation earlier this year, and now star Rosamund Pike has given her take on the reasons behind the decision. The fantasy series, based on the beloved novels by Robert Jordan, starred Pike as Moiraine Damodred, with the actress being an outspoken champion for the show. According to Deadline, Prime Video made the decision not to renew the series following "lengthy deliberations", with financial reasons reportedly being the primary decision maker. Reflecting on the cancellation, Pike admitted she agrees with fans that season 1 "wasn't good enough", with the series facing struggles amid the Covid-19 pandemic – but that, by season 3, "there was a really well-acted, well-written, cohesive, deep show that was attracting powerhouse actors to come and play supporting characters". Speculating about why the series was cancelled despite its passionate fanbase, she added to Collider: “I think we're possibly victims to the terrible churn factor of people wanting to show that ‘We've got a new show.’ It's all about what's new.” In the wake of the cancellation, showrunner Rafe Judkins called for another streamer to pick up the show. “In my dreams, another studio would be wise and pick it up," Pike said. "We have such an amazing team now. We have the ability to make a great final sequence of seasons for this show... We know what to do with these books now, so who knows? But I think we have to accept that it's over." After The Wheel of Time's cancellation, many members of the cast and crew spoke out about the disappointing news. View Green Video on the source website Meanwhile, fans created a petition calling for another streamer to pick up the show, which has now reached more than 227,000 signatures. The petition addresses Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video and other streaming services, and points to the show's strong critical and fan reception as well as reported viewing figures. It also praises the show's dedication to diversity and inclusion, and its loyal fan base. The Wheel of Time seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Record of Ragnarok season 3's release date finally confirmed after two-year wait since season 2
The fate of humanity will once again very soon rest in the hands of a chosen few!
After a two-year hiatus following the release of season 2, Record of Ragnarok season 3's release date has finally been unveiled. The third instalment of the anime, which is based on the manga by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui and follows a fighting tournament that takes place between gods and historical figures, will debut on Netflix worldwide on 10th December 2025. The release date news was confirmed alongside a third official season 3 trailer giving fans a first look at some of the epic battles to come. The footage also showcases the new opening theme tune, Dead Or Alive, performed by Japanese rock band GLAY. You can watch the teaser for yourself below: View oEmbed on the source website If the box above is not showing, you may need to change your privacy settings. In the Radio Times site footer, click ‘Manage Privacy Settings’. Under ‘Site Vendors’, consent to ‘YouTube’, then press Save & Exit. As in previous seasons, the upcoming instalment will feature notable names including Nikola Tesla (voiced by Makoto Furukawa), King Leonidas (Hiroshi Shirokuma), Hades (Ryotaro Okiayu), Beelzebub (Daisuke Namikawa) and Nostradamus (Shun Horie). And as always, the historical figures will be pitted against each other in a 13-round mortal vs god death match. Whichever side achieves seven wins first gets to rule the world for 1,000 years. The third season was announced back in March, with Manga writer Shinya Umemura saying at the time: “I’m so grateful that the third season of the anime is being produced. This is all thanks to everyone’s support — thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see how that one move by Nikola Tesla appears on screen! I hope everyone will continue to watch Record of Ragnarok!” Story structure creator Takumi Fukui added: “Much time has passed since the explosive ending to the second season. Thanks to the support of our fans, the third season is finally here! "How will that fiery battle we depicted in the comic be recreated? How will certain moves and scenes come to life on screen? Plus, familiar characters will cross paths again. I can't wait for everyone to see the continuation of the battle between gods and humanity!” Read more: Major Harry Potter TV series format rumour debunked as filming continues One Piece live-action season 2 release date confirmed as Netflix unveils epic new first look at Drum Island Record of Ragnarok seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glassand Virgin Media Stream. Add Record of Ragnarok season 3 to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
IT: Welcome to Derry character guide – their links to the Stephen King universe explained
Bill Skargård is back as Pennywise – with some new Derry residents to terrorise.
One of the world's most adapted authors is adding another notch to his score, with Stephen King's IT serving as the launchpad for chilling prequel series Welcome to Derry. Andy Muschietti, director of 2017's box office smash IT: Chapter One and its sequel, is back to lead this successor, which also sees Bill Skarsgård return to his acclaimed performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Expanding on interludes from King's original novel, Welcome to Derry introduces us to a slew of new Derry residents as well as bringing back a couple of familiar names – including The Shining's own Dick Hallorann. Chris Chalk takes on the role originated by Scatman Crothers in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation, but this incarnation of the character is yet to grow into the wise and reassuring figure we meet there. If the horror series has piqued your attention, read on for an introduction to its key players as it continues its chilling run on Sky Atlantic and NOW. IT: Welcome to Derry cast: Full list of actors in Stephen King prequel Here's an overview of the main cast in IT: Welcome to Derry – read on for more detailed profiles on each character and the actor playing them, including where you might have seen them before. Bill Skarsgård as It aka Pennywise the Clown Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann James Remar as General Shaw Stephen Rider as Hank Madeleine Stowe as TBC Rudy Mancuso as Captain Pauly Russo Clara Stack as Lilly Amanda Christine as Ronnie Mikkal Karim-Fidler as Teddy Bill Skarsgård as It aka Pennywise the Clown Who is Pennywise the Clown? Pennywise the Clown is a form often taken by the supernatural entity that terrorises the people of Derry. It is a shapeshifter, however, and has also appeared as other residents or monstrous beings, such as the giant spider seen at the end of It: Chapter Two. What else has Bill Skarsgård been in? Skarsgård has made a name for himself in the horror genre, breaking through on Netflix's Hemlock Grove, before bagging roles in the It films, Castle Rock, Barbarian and Nosferatu. His other notable works include action flicks Atomic Blonde and John Wick: Chapter 4, as well as Marvel's Eternals, where he voiced villainous deviant Kro. He is a part of the Skarsgård acting family, which also includes Andor's Stellan and Succession's Alexander. Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon Who is Charlotte Hanlon? Charlotte is a resident of Derry, Maine, with a strong moral compass. She is the grandmother of Mike Hanlon, a main character from the IT novel and previous films. What else has Taylour Paige been in? Paige is probably best known for acclaimed Netflix film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which was the final film appearance of late Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman. Other work includes comedy sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, offbeat comedy The Toxic Avenger and VH1 dance drama Hit The Floor. Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon Who is Leroy Hanlon? Leroy is Charlotte's husband and a major in the US Army. He is the grandfather of Mike Hanlon, a main character from the IT novel and previous films. In 2017's It: Chapter One, an older version of the character is portrayed by Steven Williams. At that point in time, decades on from the events of this series, he is raising Mike and putting him to work at his abattoir. What else has Jovan Adepo been in? Adepo is possibly best known for his Emmy-nomninated turn as Hooded Justice in HBO's acclaimed Watchmen miniseries. He previously worked with show creator Damon Lindelof on his preceding drama The Leftovers, appearing throughout seasons 2 and 3 as Michael Murphy. Adepo is no stranger to the worlds of Stephen King, having previously appeared in The Stand; a post-apocalyptic drama based on the novelist's work. More recently, he played a key part in the ensemble cast assembled for Netflix's 3 Body Problem. Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon Who is Will Hanlon? Will is the son of Charlotte and Leroy, who struggles to settle into life in Derry. He is a lover of science and grows up to be Mike Hanlon's father. What else has Blake Cameron James been in? A relatively new addition to the screen, James has previously appeared in 2023's acclaimed indie film We Grown Now and guest starred in an episode of NBC mystery drama Found. Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann Who is Dick Hallorann? Dick is a soldier in the US Army. To Stephen King experts, he's probably better known for his later job at the Overlook Hotel; the eerie, haunted setting of The Shining. His inclusion in It: Welcome to Derry isn't random, though, with the character getting a passing reference in It, which acknowledges his connection to the cursed Maine town. Expect his characterisation in this series to be different from Hallorann in later life. Actor Chris Chalk said: "Dick thinks all of these people [in Derry] are corny. He doesn't respect a single one of them, and that's the journey of Dick. The Dick you know is super nice... Good luck with this Dick." What else has Chris Chalk been in? Chalk has taken major roles in several US dramas, including Homeland (as Tom Walker), The Newsroom (as Gary Cooper), Gotham (as Lucius Fox) and Perry Mason (as Paul Drake). Most recently, he made a memorable guest appearance in Ryan Murphy's Feud: Capote vs The Swans, where he portrayed legendary US writer James Baldwin. Film projects include 12 Years A Slave, Detroit and Godzilla vs Kong. Rudy Mancuso as Captain Pauly Russo Who is Captain Pauly Russo? Pauly is a friend of Leroy's, who serves alongside him in the US military. What else has Rudy Mancuso been in? Mancuso is probably best known for his online presence, producing content across YouTube and social media that has earned him millions of followers. He moved into acting with Música, an acclaimed romcom which he directed and co-starred in, alongside his then-partner and now-fiancé Camila Mendes. Clara Stack as Lilly Who is Lilly? One of Derry's local schoolchildren, who has recently lost her father and is still processing her grief. What else has Clara Stack been in? Stack appeared as a young Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) in a flashback scene from Marvel's Hawkeye series on Disney Plus. She later bagged a guest role as Francesca in the final season of Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Amanda Christine as Ronnie Who is Ronnie? Another local child who becomes friends with Will and Lilly. What else has Amanda Christine been in? Christine has been acting from a very young age, with recent credits including A Black Lady Sketch Show and Netflix children's animation Ada Twist, Scientist, where she voiced the title character. Mikkal Karim-Fidler as Teddy Who is Teddy? Another child of Derry. What else has Mikkal Karim-Fidler been in? A largely unknown young actor, Karim-Fidler has previous credits in 2023 film Boy in the Walls and Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. It: Welcome to Derry premiered on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday 27th October 2025, with new episodes releasing weekly. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add It: Welcome to Derry to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Major Harry Potter TV series format rumour debunked as filming continues
This is one myth that can be filed in the Rumours! wizarding newspaper.
With filming underway and casting announcements trickling in for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, it’s no surprise that plenty of rumours have been flying around faster than a golden snitch. With seven seasons planned for the HBO series – designed to introduce Harry Potter to a whole new generation – there’s certainly scope to include much more from the books that never made it to the big screen, along with creating a more faithful adaptation of the source material. For example, we already know that certain characters will finally be making their live-action debut in the wizarding world (Professor Binns, Peeves and Charlie Weasley are all set to appear). However, it seems that the latest hotly debated rumour among fans and the media has quickly been debunked; the series will not be deviating from the films with the addition of a narrator. Following recent casting announcements, including Richard Durden as Professor Cuthbert Binns, The Witcher and House of the Dragon-themed blog Redanian Intelligence reportedly claimed that Tom Turner, one of the latest cast additions, was set to be a series regular as the show’s narrator. Nevertheless, according to Deadline, British actor Turner – known for roles in Ready Player One, Cruella and Beauty and the Beast – won’t be taking on the mantle of narrator. This latest rumour rapidly gained traction across social media and Reddit, once again dividing the fanbase over a potential departure from the beloved big-screen adaptations. While some users were cautiously optimistic about the potential change in format, stating, "if done right it can be a real positive to the show", others were far less enthusiastic, with one fan commenting it was "yet another reason to completely avoid this series". With the line-up for Audible’s star-studded full-cast adaptation of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books recently revealed – along with the first audiobook release – there may have been some crossed wires regarding narrators. In HBO's series, Dominic McLaughlin is taking on the mantle of the Boy Who Lived, while Alastair Stout plays Harry Potter’s best friend, Ron Weasley. Arabella Stanton also joined the cast as the last of the young main trio, the studious witch Hermione Granger. Other notable casting includes Nick Frost (the Cornetto Trilogy) as Rubeus Hagrid, Dexter's John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and the IT Crowd's Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. While the exact release date is yet to be revealed, the Harry Potter series will stream on HBO Max. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Witcher season 5 release date speculation and latest news
The final episodes have already been filmed, bringing Geralt's journey to an end.
While season 4 has only just arrived on Netflix, following the dramatic finale, many fans are already looking forward to news about The Witcher season 5. Although the series has been fraught with fuss about the recasting of Henry Cavill and various creative choices, the show remains one of the most popular fantasy series around, and was renewed for a fifth season before season 4 began shooting. For the moment, however, the next season will reportedly bring the series to a close, with lacklustre receptions for spin-offs Blood Origin, Nightmare of the Wolf and Sirens of the Deep failing to capture the same excitement. But as Liam Hemsworth dons Geralt's white locks once more alongside Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra and more, here's what we know so far about The Witcher season 5. The Witcher season 5 release date speculation The Witcher has been renewed for a fifth season and, in fact, it has already been filmed, but a specific release date for the final episodes is yet to be announced. Netflix confirmed The Witcher season 5 was in the works in April 2024, announcing that it would film back-to-back with the fourth and bring the fantasy drama to an end. Shooting on the fifth season wrapped in late September 2025, with the series now undergoing post-production, which could be an extended process due to the show's substantial visual effects. With that in mind, we probably wouldn't expect The Witcher season 5 to drop on Netflix until autumn/winter 2026. (But that would still be the most rapid turnaround that the series has seen to date.) The Witcher season 5 cast The Witcher season 5 will once again star Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, alongside original stars Freya Allan (Ciri) and Anya Chalotra (Yennefer), in what could be their final appearances in these beloved roles. The show is confirmed to be coming to an end with the upcoming chapter, although we wouldn't rule out further spin-offs or animated specials in the future, which could potentially provide opportunities for them to return. Here's an overview of the other key players in The Witcher season 4, many of whom will likely return for the fifth entry: Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg Freya Allan as Ciri Eamon Farren as Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach Joey Batey as Jaskier Mimî M Khayisa as Fringilla Vigo Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold Royce Pierreson as Istredd Wilson Mbomio as Dara Mahesh Jadu as Vilgefortz of Roggeveen Mecia Simson as Francesca Findabair Jodhi May as Queen Calanthe Therica Wilson-Read as Sabrina Glevissig The Witcher season 5 plot theories The Witcher season 5 "will complete the adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's books" according to Netflix's TUDUM, drawing upon concluding novels The Tower of the Swallow and The Lady of the Lake. Given that they were filmed back-to-back, it should come as no surprise that The Witcher showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has said that although "they're coming out as two separate entities, [seasons 4 and 5] really are one long story". Therefore, we can expect The Witcher season 5 to carry unresolved plot threads from fourth through to their natural conclusion, leaving things at a place comparable – if not identical – to the ending of Sapkowski's The Lady of the Lake. Is there a The Witcher season 5 trailer? Alas, there's no footage just yet – we'll update this page when that changes. The Witcher seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 5 coming soon. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add The Witcher to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
The Witcher season 4's Liam Hemsworth recast makes complete sense for one key reason
Geralt's had quite the makeover in season 4.
The Witcher has fought all manner of monsters in his time, but four seasons in, the biggest threat to Geralt's existence might just be himself. Or at least, the new version of him that's been introduced in Netflix's latest season. Whatever your thoughts on The Witcher might be, fans and detractors alike usually agree that Henry Cavill has been pivotal to the show's success. Whether he was drawing his sword or drawing a bath, Cavill's take on Geralt felt intrinsic to the story being told. It's as if he was born to play The Witcher. So when Cavill suddenly left the show three seasons in, his exit understandably came as quite a shock. It was impossible for fans to imagine what The Witcher might look like without him, yet that's exactly what showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich was forced to do for the series to continue. Enter Liam Hemsworth, another statuesque bulk of a man who was asked to step in and take Cavill's place. Long before pics of him donning the wig surfaced online, fans were already quick to denounce Hemsworth as being unfit for the task at hand. These were big shoes to fill, after all. Never mind that Liam is 6cm taller than Henry. It didn't help that when trailers for season 4 did finally arrive, they included a scene where Hemsworth's Geralt rallies his friends by crying: "Let's f**king move." For fans still invested in the show, this felt like a betrayal of sorts, a sign that The Witcher had lost its way. "Geralt would never say such a thing," they claimed, with others criticising Hemsworth's delivery of the line as well. To be fair, Liam was going to be criticised regardless, no matter how good or bad he was in the role. Copy Cavill too closely and you're just a pale imitation of the real deal. Put your own stamp on the character and you risk losing Geralt's essence entirely. This was always going to be a lose-lose situation for Hemsworth, at least at the beginning when fans would be most resistant to change. Plus, it's not exactly easy to pull off a white wig of that gloss and magnitude. Yet even with all that going against Hemsworth, I'd argue his arrival in the show couldn't have come at a better time. In fact, replacing Cavill at this stage actually makes a lot of sense considering where Geralt himself is at in this stage of the character's journey. Witchers don't typically involve themselves in the affairs of humans. As Geralt himself says in the fifth episode of this new season, people like him are "destined to kill monsters and make coin". Yet that's no longer true for this Witcher. While this might hew closely to where he and this show first began, Geralt has been through a great deal these past three seasons. He's fallen in love with Yennefer, he's become a father of sorts to Ciri, and he's developed a somewhat homoerotic bromance with Jaskier too. The Witcher's heart and soul has become enmeshed with humans more than even he could have ever expected, and that's also the case in season 4 when he ends up leading a new hanza bonded by friendship. It wasn't where the Witcher saw himself heading, but here we are nonetheless. Over time, Geralt has become a friend, a lover, a father figure who's worlds removed now from the Geralt that Cavill first introduced to us at the start of season 1. Season 4 goes to great pains to emphasise this. In Hemsworth's first episode, Jaskier states that Geralt "just hasn't been the same since his injuries, since he lost the ones he loved". Nods to him changing, to Geralt embracing his emotions like never before, continue throughout, perhaps most noticeably when Laurence Fishburne's new character tells him that he's "evolving." And he's right to say it. The Geralt we once knew certainly wouldn't have trusted a vampire like Regis, for example. Cynics might suggest this has been emphasised so strongly to differentiate Hemsworth's version of the role from Cavill, perhaps with a knowing nod and wink that's rather typical of the show in general. But the truth is that Geralt's different anyway now. As such, any deviations from the Geralt we once knew can easily be explained away as such, which easily accounts for the different take Hemsworth inevitably brings to this character. Does Liam match up to Henry? No, not quite, but there's more nuance to this than arguments that Hemsworth is simply "bad" in the role. What is clear, however, is that the new episodes don't live up to past seasons regardless. If anything, that's what puts The Witcher in danger now. Not the 'new' Geralt, but lacklustre writing and directionless plotting that drags this season out far longer than necessary. In that regard, Hemsworth couldn't have signed up at a worse time. The Witcher seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 5 coming soon. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add The Witcher to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
The Witcher season 4 ending explained: Every twist broken down by cast
Stars Liam Hemsworth, Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan break down that brutal finale. **CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE WITCHER SEASON 4**
*Warning: Full spoilers ahead for The Witcher season 4.* With brand new characters, ever expanding storylines and an escalating conflict amongst the nations, The Witcher season 4 is certainly a sprawling one. As the core trio are once again scattered across the Continent, each going on their own path, the final episode saw Ciri (Freya Allan) in a particularly sticky situation, captured by the infamous bounty hunter and Witcher killer, Leo Bonhart (Sharlto Copley). Just how will this impact the various factions searching for the lost lion cub of Cintra?! There’s plenty to unpack as we wait for the final chapter in Geralt (Liam Hemsworth), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Ciri’s destiny-fuelled saga to unfold (thankfully, the fourth and fifth season were filmed consecutively, so there shouldn’t be too long to wait!). Here's everything you need to know about how season 4 ended – complete with a breakdown from the cast. Why did Geralt have such a weird reaction to being knighted? On their travels to visit the Druids of Caed Dhu, Geralt and his rag-tag company (aka the hansa), comprised of Jaskier (Joey Batey), Regis (Laurence Fishburne), Cahir (Eamon Farren) and Zoltan (Danny Woodburn), find themselves embroiled in an intense battle between Nilfgaardian and Northern forces (comprised of both Lyria and Rivia soldiers.) As they sail down the river Yaruga, they’re ambushed by archers, and just as they’re about to be wiped out by a fire-fuelled weapon, a returning Milva (Meng'er Zhang) swoops in to save the day. Despite Geralt’s insistence to remain impartial amidst the unfolding war across the Continent, the company can’t stand by and watch the Nilfgaardian forces claim the crossing. So begins the fierce Battle for the Bridge on the Yaruga, as Geralt, Cahir and Zoltan fight alongside the Northern forces to help save Queen Meve. Meanwhile, Milva miscarries during this period, but is cared for by Regis and the rest of the company. Following the aftermath of the battle, Geralt is knighted by Queen Meve, finally becoming “Geralt of Rivia”. But why did he have such a weird reaction? Breaking that moment down exclusively with RadioTimes.com, Geralt actor Hemsworth pointed out that Geralt's life has been made infinitely more complicated now he effectively belongs to Meve. He explained: "There's that initial [thing of] 'This is funny, and now you belong to me forever'. It's funny and ironic to him, I think. But it's definitely gonna create some complications." Did Yennefer stop Vilgefortz? Not yet. Despite rallying rival mages, strategising and even sending Fringilla in undercover in the wake of the Thanedd coup, Yennefer and the sorceresses fail to stop Vilgefortz and his cloaked minions (note: Death Eater rip-offs) in the Battle of Montecalvo. In what is perhaps the biggest change to the source material this season, Yennefer rallies together the remaining sorceresses after their brutal showdown with Vilgefortz to form The Lodge of Sorceresses. Following her failed trip to save her “daughter” from the clutches of ruthless Nilgaard emperor Emhyr (Bart Edwards), Yennefer and the remaining sorceresses, Fringilla (Mimî M. Khayisa), Philippa (Cassie Clare), Triss (Anna Shaffer), Sabrina (Therica Wilson-Read) and elven leader Francesca (Mecia Simson) band together to unite their strength for a common cause. Explaining why that major change to the source material was made, showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich told RadioTimes.com: "There are moments that are completely ripped from the books, and then we also have to do some different things with our characters. I think Yennefer is the perfect example – in these books, in this period of time, she's actually off-page quite a bit. She's a jade statue. "We just knew that that was not what we needed to do with the character this season. So we did have to create a story. We always try to stick to the spirit of The Witcher, and I think that's the most important thing to us, is when we do create things, when we do have to go off the path, the most important thing is feeling like it's still The Witcher." With Vilgefortz still out there, Ciri is still at risk, along with the future of magic. She proposes that they form the sisterhood to clean up the mess at the castle, while making sure that there’s a home for Ciri to come back to. In possession of the dagger Vesemir used to wound Vilgefortz, Yennefer asks Triss to use it to track him back to Stygga in order to fulfil her promise – to destroy him once and for all while he’s weak. After initially arguing against the idea, Triss unlocks the portal matrix using the dagger. Before Yennefer steps through, she asks Triss to promise to rebuild Aretuza in case she doesn’t make it back. Once she steps through the portal, she ends up in the middle of the sea, presumably in Stygga, on her way to the powerful mage’s stone lair. Meanwhile, Vilgefortz mutilates and kills the three remaining mages who survived the battle, waiting for the arrival of Yennefer and his “final victory.” What happened to Ciri and The Rats? The Rats foolishly attempt to enact their plan of ambushing bounty hunter Leo Bonhart (Sharlto Copley) at the Chimera’s Head, despite his offer of taking them in alive. As Ciri races back on Kelpie to help, the young bandits go toe-to-toe with the ruthless mercenary, but he soon overpowers them, gleefully maiming and mutilating the gang in gruesome ways. He even shoves one of Kayleigh’s green bombs inside his stomach! While Leo is interrogating Mistle (Christelle Elwin) on Falka/Ciri’s whereabouts, she arrives and, witnessing the brutal and bloody massacre, she then pours all her rage and her hate into the ensuing duel with Leo. “If your friends had fought like you, maybe they’d still be alive,” he taunts, before overpowering and disarming her. As she regains consciousness following the attack, she discovers she’s bound, while Bonhart nonchalantly beheads the Rats one by one to collect his bounty. His accomplice then cruelly makes Ciri watch the mercenary behead Mistle last. So begins one of Ciri’s darkest and most traumatic arcs from the novel The Tower of the Swallow... Actress Allan explained of Ciri's fate: "For Ciri, it's as low as it's ever got and it's got pretty low before. But this is traumatic, it's going to be embedded in her forever. It's going to be a long old journey out of that pit." What happens to Emhyr and the fake Ciri? Following Yennefer’s discovery that former Aretuza novice Teryn (Frances Pooley) is in fact a “false Ciri” planted by Vilgefortz, Nilfgaard’s emperor instructs his spymaster Skellen (James Purefoy) to prevent the truth of Ciri’s identity from being exposed. While Teryn reaffirms her loyalty to the White Flame, Yennefer portals to Geralt to tell him that the wedding is a sham and Ciri is still out there. With the news of the fake marriage soon to spread across the Continent, Emhyr turns to removing the one who “stands in the way of his destiny”. “With two parallel destinies, only one can bear fruit,” Xarthisius preaches, and the two set a shadowy caged beast (presumably a Jackapce) on Geralt’s scent using Renfri's brooch that the Witcher dropped in the season 4 finale. Who is ‘little Nimue’ and what is her significance? Throughout the episode, it’s revealed that the main trio’s story is actually being told by traveller Storyteller Stribog to a group of children, with the mysterious new character “little Nimue” introduced in these interludes. After telling Stribog that she has a “destiny to find” and is leaving to study in Aretuza, the old storyteller hands her the book “A Half Century of Poetry” by Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount of Lettenhove, aka Dandelion’s memoirs! Inside is a picture of Ciri next to a mysterious tower, teasing the next novel in the series, The Tower of the Swallow. The new addition is a direct tie to the final book in the series, The Lady in the Lake, and a nod to the series’ legends and myths, as the sorceress chronicles the historical events of the Witcher legend. She serves as a somewhat meta-historian in a rather bonkers, timey-wimey finale. The Witcher season 4 is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What does Emhyr want with Ciri in The Witcher season 4? White Flame’s plan explained
The story is headed down a dark path... **CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE WITCHER SEASON 4**
*Warning: spoilers for The Witcher season 4 ahead.* As war rages across the ravaged Continent in The Witcher season 4, the driving force behind the ongoing assault is Nilfgaard’s iron-willed emperor, Emhyr var Emreis (Bart Edwards). The cold and calculating emperor is fuelled by his desire for dominion as he seeks to conquer the Northern Kingdoms, and is one of the biggest threats to Ciri (Freya Allan), Geralt (Liam Hemsworth) and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra). Everyone wants Ciri’s Elder Blood for their own means, whether that’s securing their fortunes or fulfilling their destiny-fuelled prophecies, and Emhyr is no different. But what exactly is Emhyr’s dark plan for his biological daughter, and what is he up to with spy master Stefan Skellen (James Purefoy) and the dark mage Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu)? Here’s everything you need to know about the ominous The Witcher villain, the White Flame. Who is Emhyr in The Witcher season 4? As revealed in the closing moments of season 2, the ruthless Nilfgaardian emperor is none other than Emhyr var Emreis, Ciri’s biological father who was long thought to be dead. Previously known as Duny (also known as the Urcheon of Erlenwald), Emhyr is the son of Fergus var Emreis, the former Emperor of Nilfgaard. After his father was overthrown by an usurper, Emhyr fled the kingdom – only to be cursed by a sorcerer to take on the form of a humanoid hedgehog. He then fell in love with the Princess of Cintra, Pavetta (Gaia Mondadori). He claimed her hand in marriage through the “Law of Surprise” at the banquet at Cintra back in season 1, and when the two kissed, his curse was lifted. Geralt saved Duny by helping convince Queen Calanthe (Jodhi May) to accept his proposal, and in return, he invoked the same custom for the "child of surprise", tying together their destinies – much to the later chagrin of Duny/Emhyr. Following Ciri’s birth, Vilgefortz visited Emhyr and told him of Ithlinne’s prophecy, convincing him that his child would inherit the Elder Blood and rule the Continent. And who do we know has Elder Blood? None other than his daughter, Ciri. This “information” fuelled his future ambitions. He returned to Nilfgaard, overthrew the usurper and claimed the throne – setting out to conquer the entire Continent as the White Flame. What does Emhyr want with Ciri in The Witcher season 4? Be warned, it’s about to get pretty dark here on out, as The Witcher takes a leaf out of George R. R. Martin’s playbook… As the ambitious Emhyr sets out to rule the Continent – fuelled by delusions of grandeur and talk of destiny – he obsessively hunts Ciri to secure Nilfgaard’s future, unite the nation, and fulfil the prophecy. Yes, that’s right – he intends to marry and impregnate his own daughter. Yikes. He believes Ciri will secure his bloodline by giving birth to the prophesied child of destiny with Elder Blood. Their child would then be considered the ultimate heir to Nilfgaard and the prophesied saviour (or more likely, conqueror) of the world. However, Vilgefortz has played the Nilfgaard emperor, as he’s planted a “false Ciri” in the shape of Teryn (Frances Pooley), the Aretuza novice who Geralt saved back in season 3. Once he discovers she’s a fraud, there’ll surely be hell to pay. “Emhyr is very headstrong, very troubled, but is determined to find her, and he hasn’t wavered from that once,” says actor Bart Edwards. What is Emhyr’s plan in The Witcher season 4? When Emhyr discovers Vilgefortz’s deception, he confronts the Mage, who reveals that he seeks to harness Ciri’s Elder Blood for himself. “Cirilla is far greater than you, power like that could never be yours. She will, however, be mine.” Despite this deception, his spymaster Skellen convinces him to go ahead and announce his engagement to Ciri, hoping it will crush the morale of the Cintrans aiding the Northern forces. This will buy them time to search for the real Ciri. Determined to fulfil the prophecy, Emhyr gives Skellen an ultimatum: return Ciri before the wedding, or face his wrath. And so, the hunt for the true Ciri continues… The Witcher season 4 is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Witcher season 4 review: Liam Hemsworth's Geralt falls flat as Netflix flagship fantasy loses its magic
Will Henry Cavill’s departure prove the final nail in the coffin for the "Witcherverse"?
Following the shock news that leading man – and self-confessed Witcher fan – Henry Cavill was hanging up Geralt’s swords and wolf medallion back in 2022, fans of Netflix’s flagship fantasy series were understandably left reeling. The Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth was shortly announced as the new the White Wolf for the final two seasons. But with huge shoes to fill, as many considered Cavill’s portrayal of the beloved monster hunter definitive, the controversial announcement certainly left a dark cloud over the project. Casting concerns aside, there’s no denying that the writers have long played fast and loose with the source material in season 4, taking plenty of creative liberties with certain character arcs and events – much to the frustration of those who love Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and the CD Projekt games. While the third outing attempted to right the ship with a more faithful adaptation, season 4 faces even bigger challenges. Can Netflix win over returning viewers with the introduction of fan favourite characters such as Regis (Laurence Fishburne) and Leo Bonhart – or Cavill’s departure prove the final nail in the coffin for the "Witcherverse"? Picking up after the devastating (and Continent-altering) events of the Thanedd Coup, season 4 sees Geralt (Hemsworth), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan) once again scattered across the war-ravaged Continent. The former lion cub of Cintra embraces her “Falka” persona among the rebel gang of outlaws known as the Rats, while Geralt embarks on yet another (!) rescue quest, forming a new found fellowship of misfits along the way. Meanwhile, Yennefer seeks to unite the remaining sorceresses for a final showdown with Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu), the mage who's secretly been pulling the strings all along. View Green Video on the source website Thankfully, the latest instalment isn’t split into multiple parts – as that month-long gap between volumes last season certainly hurt the pacing. Netflix has instead opted for a full release, to its credit. Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri’s intertwined stories are recapped through a clever narrative framing device, as book characters Storyteller Stribog and Nimue recount previous events, tying together the series’ legends and myths Sapkowski’s novels. While season 3 was buoyed by the heartwarming found family dynamic as the trios destinies finally converged, this season certainly suffers with their frustrating separation. After more than a two year wait – and with Cavill’s departure looming large – it’s admittedly difficult to feel excited about yet another search for Ciri. Overall, the fourth outing is unfortunately a frustrating and inconsistent entry, marked by a significant drop in quality. The shifting tone – paired with uneven performances and production elements – 0ccasionally tips the series into melodrama. The sprawling story has ballooned with an ever expanding roster of characters, locations, factions and shifting allegiances, resulting in an unwieldy amount of plotlines to juggle. Certain threads are also far more compelling than others. Sharlto Copley is an entertaining standout as the infamous bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, and is proves a much stronger antagonist than the naff(?) Vilgefortz. On the flipside, The Rats’ storyline is a slog to get through, lacking the charm and charisma of Shadow and Bone’s similarly rag-tag band, The Crows. It’s also disappointing that Ciri’s enigmatic father, Emhyr var Emreis (Bart Edwards), has seemingly faded into the background. Thankfully, many of Baptism of Fire’s major moments are faithfully adapted, including the introduction of fan favourites Regis (Laurence Fishburne) and Leo Bonhart (Sharlto Copley), Ciri’s dark arc with The Rats and the Battle for the Bridge on the Yaruga. However, Yennefer’s arc – and the events leading to the creation of the Lodge of Sorceresses – undergoes significant changes. It was always going to be a bold move to recast Geralt, and unfortunately, it just doesn’t work. It’s incredibly jarring to see and hear Hemsworth as Geralt. Rather than adapting a similarly deep, gravelly tone as Cavill, he questionably decides to channel his brother’s Thor-like accent. While the Aussie actor is competent in the action sequences, his stature and overall take on the monster hunter unfortunately just doesn’t measure up. He’s less physically imposing than his predecessor and lacks the stoicism and chemistry of his predecessor. As feared from the much-maligned trailer sequences (here’s looking at you, “Let’s f**king move!”) the writers still fail to grasp the show’s main protagonist, with awkward dialogue and inconsistent characterisation. Despite showrunner Lauren Smith Hissrich's insistence that the “show is bigger than one actor”, many fans tuned in purely for Cavill’s performance and his endearing dynamic with co-stars Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan. Hemsworth does his best with the material he’s been given, but his delivery and performance often falls flat – which may just prove the final straw for many long-time viewers. Jaskier (Joey Batey) fans are also dealt somewhat of a blow, as the bard’s development from last season regresses in favour of comic relief. While the renowned Bremervoord musician has brought to life a number of bangers, such as Toss a Coin to Your Witcher and Burn Butcher Burn, this season's musical interlude is a misfire in comparison. The baffling, Aladdin-esque musical sequence in the otherwise engaging, hansa-centric episode The Joy of Cooking will likely divide viewers. Inconsistencies also lie in the show’s production values. The large-scale Battle for the Bridge is a real standout (dodgy ogre VFX aside), while the Battle of Montecalvo falls flat due to lacklustre production design and unconvincing magic VFX. As Cavill’s absence looms large over a story weighed down by uneven writing and tone – plus questionable performances and production design – it’s clear that Netflix’s flagship fantasy series has lost its magic. Unless season 5 pulls off a (monster) miracle, this might be one quest even Geralt can’t complete. The Witcher season 4 is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Regis in The Witcher season 4? Laurence Fishburne character explained
The series's first higher vampire has arrived!
Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcherverse is packed full of fantasy staples, with the Continent’s many elves, dwarves, monsters and mages – and that only continues in season 4 of The Witcher. While the Netflix series has featured a multitude of the aforementioned monsters, season 4 will feature an exciting first; the introduction of the true higher vampires. Vampires have already debuted back in season 2 with the Bruxae. Geralt (previously played by Henry Cavill, with Liam Hemsworth now taking over) and Ciri (Freya Allan) encountered Vereena (Agnes Born) in A Grain of Truth, fans of the CD Projekt game will be aware that there are many species of both lesser and higher vampires. The fourth instalment will finally introduce true higher vampires in the shape of fan favourite character Regis, played by The Matrix and John Wick stalwart Laurence Fishburne. But can he be trusted? And what impact will he have on the battle for the fate of Ciri and the Continent? Who is Regis in The Witcher? Regis, aka Emiel Regis Rohellec Terzieff-Godefroy, is a centuries-old higher vampire who features in both the book series and the game as a loyal companion to Geralt and a key member of his travelling company on their quest to find Ciri. He debuts in the midpoint of the fifth novel Baptism of Fire and becomes a key character throughout the remainder of the series, appearing in The Tower of the Swallow and The Lady of the Lake. He is also a major character in the Blood and Wine expansion of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and can also be seen in the beloved card game Gwent. Regis is a noble, wise and surprisingly empathetic higher vampire who is the barber surgeon of Dillingen and a healer. He bumps into Geralt and his companions in an old elven cemetery on their way to Nilfgaard. Despite being a higher vampire, Regis has sworn off drinking altogether, following a previous significant addiction which led to a particularly sticky ending with the local villagers! Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Fishburne revealed he'd never read the books or played the game, adding: "When I got the offer, [showrunner] Lauren [Hissrich] explained to me what she was wanting to do with the relationship between Geralt and Regis, and that it was a different kind of relationship for him, and that Regis was a vampire who didn't drink blood, which I thought was really fascinating. "So I said yes, knowing that I didn't know anything and that I was going to have to just be able to surrender to the material and to the situation." What are higher vampires in The Witcher? As part of the Witcherverse lore, vampires are categorised by their species and class. Lesser vampires are more beast-like, primitive predators, while higher vampires are significantly more intelligent and powerful, often appearing more humanlike. Common species of lesser vampires encountered in the game include the Ekimma and Fleder, while higher vampires include the aforementioned Bruxae and Alps, Katakans, Nekurats, and Mula. But here’s where it gets a bit complicated – higher vampires are broken down into two categories; higher-class vampires and true higher vampires. While they both share similar traits and abilities, such as telepathy and shapeshifting, true higher vampires – like Regis and Dettlaff van der Eretein – are far more powerful and can only be permanently killed by another true higher vampire. Meanwhile, Witchers can kill lower or lesser vampires with a silver sword, but not true higher vampires. Why is Regis important in The Witcher? Despite their initial misunderstanding and caution of the vampire, Regis becomes an integral part of Geralt’s travelling party, joining the rag-tag company of Milva (Meng'er Zhang), Jaskier (Joey Batey), Cahir (Eamon Farren) and book character, Angoulême. Along with being an ally and helping the gang on their journey, almost instantly offering them shelter, along with food and drink, at his cottage, he also aids them in several dangerous encounters (such as a seemingly impossible test set by a crazed priest during a witch hunt). He even saves Geralt’s life, with the Witcher eventually considering him a close companion and friend. View oEmbed on the source website It’s not often that a higher vampire will willingly befriend a self-confessed monster hunter such as Geralt, let alone save one. This dynamic and Regis’s actions help to change the Witcher’s black-and-white view of supposed ‘sentient’ monsters, significantly altering his outlook, perspective and signature cynical nature. Here’s hoping that the hugely talented Laurence Fishburne will do the fan-favourite character justice as he makes his debut in season 4. The Witcher season 4 will be released on 30th October on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why was Vesemir recast in The Witcher season 4? Kim Bodnia exit explained
Geralt isn’t the only Witcher getting a make-over.
As fans of The Witcher brace themselves for a brand new leading man – The Hunger Games’ star Liam Hemsworth, stepping into the White Wolf’s shoes following Henry Cavill’s shock departure – Geralt isn’t the only Witcher getting a makeover of sorts. Killing Eve star Kim Bodnia previously played Vesemir, Geralt's endearing father figure and mentor, but won't be returning for season 4 of Netflix's flagship fantasy drama. The show is set to welcome a new Vesemir to the fold, alongside other new faces including Laurence Fishburne as Regis. Here's everything we know about Vesemir's recasting. Why was Vesemir recast in The Witcher season 4? Bodnia didn't return as the veteran monster hunter due to his commitments to Apple TV+ original film F1, the Joseph Kosinski-directed Formula 1 blockbuster. A spokesperson for Bodnia explained to RadioTimes.com: "Kim will not return as Vesemir as his current shooting diary didn’t fit in with Netflix’s shooting schedule of The Witcher season 4." Bodnia played Kaspar Smolinski in F1, the team principal and former engineer for the fictional Formula 1 racing team APXGP, which retired driver Sonny Hayes (played by star Brad Pitt) was racing for. The scheduling issue arose when filming on the F1 movie was paused due to the 2023's Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes, with the cast and production crew joining the industrial action. As filming took place during actual F1 Grand Prix weekends to capture footage of real races amongst the iconic tracks, the subsequent delay prevented Bodnia's return as the Kaer Morhen leader and veteran. Who is playing Vesemir in The Witcher season 4? With Bodnia out of the Netflix series due to scheduling conflicts, Scottish actor and Trainspotting star Peter Mullan was recently revealed to be stepping up as the grizzled monster slayer. Fantasy fans will best know Mullan as the fateful Dwarf King Durin III in Prime Video’s big budget Lord of the Rings adaptation, The Rings of Power (that epic Balrog moment!). He also stars in the Outlander prequel spin-off, Blood of My Blood, as Red Jacob MacKenzie, laird of Clan MacKenzie and father to Ellen (Harriet Slater). With a fine fantasy pedigree and plenty of experience, there’s no doubting Mullan’s calibre. It’s just a shame that fans will be losing the previously established chemistry between Cavill and Bodnia, as their bond is such an important element to both Geralt and Ciri (Freya Allan). When did we last see Vesemir in The Witcher? We last saw the leader of the remaining ragtag band of monster hunters back in season 2 at the ancient stronghold of Kaer Morhen, the remote fortress high in the Blue mountains of Kaedwen. Geralt had taken Ciri back to the fortress so she could be trained in the ways of the Witchers by his former mentor and the brotherhood. Vesemir taught Ciri about the Conjunction of Spheres, the power of her Elder Blood and the plight of the Witchers – with her blood potentially proving key to creating more Witchers. However, following Ciri’s possession by demon Voleth Meir and a subsequent attack by a basilisk, Vesemir was almost killed, while others didn't survive. With even more of their numbers dwindling, Vesemir and the remaining Witchers (Lambert, Eskel, and Coen) were left to rebuild Kaer Morhen. View oEmbed on the source website But what's next for the leader of the remaining Witchers? Fans of the book and game will certainly be surprised at the characters’ return, giving his brief appearance in the early chapters of the final book, The Lady of the Lake, following his time training Ciri in the third book, Blood of Elves. Therefore, does this signify even more significant departures from the source material? According to showrunner Lauren Hissrich, it certainly does. “Honestly, we didn't think we would see him again after that season," the showrunner told Entertainment Weekly. "Then in the writers' room, it's like, 'Well, wait, what if we start to bring the Witchers back in because there's some future events that we know we want Vesemir for in the series?'” The specific role Vesemir will play in the upcoming fourth instalment is yet to be revealed, but the leader of the Witches will certainly be in a safe pair of hands with Mullan. Only time will tell whether the changes to certain character arcs and events pays off, though. The Witcher season 4 will be released on 30th October on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why did Henry Cavill leave The Witcher? Liam Hemsworth recast explained
Everything you need to know about one of the strangest TV recastings.
Shockwaves rippled through the fanbase of Netflix’s flagship fantasy series when it was announced that star – and self-confessed The Witcher fan – Henry Cavill was hanging up the titular monster hunter’s sword and medallion. Cavill took his final bow as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher’s third season, which aired in the summer of 2023 – less than a year after his shock departure was announced. With seven seasons initially planned, Cavill announced that The Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth was set to be taking on the mantle of the role. It was confirmed shortly after that would be for the final two instalments, the fourth and fifth seasons were then filmed back-to-back. However, the decision to recast has certainly been met with considerable scepticism from fans, particularly given Cavill’s well-documented passion for author Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material. Here’s what we know about Cavill’s departure, Hemsworth’s decision to take on the role and showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich’s thoughts on The Hunger Game star’s portrayal of the iconic White Wolf. Why did Henry Cavill leave The Witcher? There’s been no shortage of speculation online following Cavill’s announcement, including rumours of a conflict with the writers over departures from the source material. However, showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich has since clarified that Cavill had other roles he wanted to commit to, and she didn’t want to force him to finish the show. Shortly after his departure, Cavill posted a video on Instagram confirming his return as Superman, following a cameo in the post-credits scene of Black Adam. Unfortunately, the comeback was short-lived, as James Gunn later revealed that Cavill’s Superman was one of the casualties of the DCU reboot at DC Studios. He has since confirmed leading roles in the Highlander reboot and the Warhammer 40k TV series. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the recast, Schmidt-Hissrich said: "I think it's been really interesting to talk to people about it, because it feels like new information out in the world, but we've lived through this for so long, and I think Henry has gone off, he’s happy, and is doing wonderful things. And he originated this character. He was brilliant at it.” “And I think we opened a new chapter, and now we're with Liam, and I think it really is about just embracing where we're at and staying present. And we're just excited for everyone to see what Liam can now do." Who is replacing Henry Cavill as Geralt on The Witcher? As revealed in Cavill’s announcement, The Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth took on the mantle of the White Wolf, with the former Witcher star enthusiastic about the “fantastic” Aussie actor. Following the announcement, Hemsworth praised the former Geralt, noting that he was “inspired” by and a fan of Cavill "for years". He also expressed that he, too, is a Witcher fan – an important factor in his decision to take on the iconic role. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Hemsworth revealed that he was "pretty reluctant at that point” and that he had “a lot of concerns and questions about it all". “I was a big fan of the video game and then I watched the series, and was a fan of the series, and I read the books." Asked what specifically he was reluctant about, he reflected: "Just the situation [of] coming into a series that's already established a really passionate fanbase. I appreciate these fans, and I appreciate the fact that they care so much about it.” "I think if I wasn't a fan myself, if I didn't care about it, I wouldn't have come on board. The reason I came on board was because I was a fan, and because I thought that I could do justice to this character. I thought that could bring an interesting interpretation to this part of the story." He added that he was most excited about “where Geralt is at this part of the story – his emotional state, and where he's heading". He continued: “I think he's in a very real place of change and a place that I don't think he's been in often in his life. There's a lot of doubt and confusion and worry." The upcoming series is set to adapt the events of Baptism of Fire, the third book in the main Witcher saga, focusing on the formation of Geralt’s rag-tag company – the Hansa – as they travel to Nilfgaard to rescue Ciri. Hemsworth added: "It's through these other people around him that he sees how much love and care and how much they believe in his journey and his mission right now, yeah, that he's able to lean on them and accept that, help that you know, that he's really able to push forward and find himself again and find a new version of himself." How has the show managed the transition between actors? Henry Cavill was always going to be a tough act to follow, with Hemsworth having some big boots to fill – but showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich recently told RadioTimes.com how they approached the transition. "We knew there were things that we knew that were really important to keep with Geralt – obviously, his look has to stay the same.” "He's a different human being, but I think there's so many things that are sort of synonymous with Geralt, the white wig and the yellow eyes and the black leather and not wearing any colour, and the way he walks through the world.” "Those things had to stay but really, those conversations were so driven by Liam the first time that we met.” Whether recasting the iconic role has paid off, only time will tell. For now, we’ll toss a coin to our Witcher as season 4 arrives! The Witcher season 4 is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.