The Witcher Season 2: Netflix Recasts Eskel

Basil Eidenbenz will take over the role of Eskel in The Witcher Season Two. Netflix needed to recast the role because Thue Rasmussen, who played Eskel in the show’s first season, dropped out of the role after production delays brought on by the coronavirus pandemic caused a conflict in his schedule. Eskel is a witcher like Geralt, the show’s main character played by Henry Cavill. It appears Eidenbenz already began filming for The Witcher based on Deadline‘s report. Eidenbenz’s past credits include Victoria, The Athena, and X Company. The second season of The Witcher is in production with plans to debut on Netflix in 2021.

Rasmussen announced his departure on Instagram, and you can read his full message below.

“Sadly, due to the rescheduling because of Covid-19, I will not be portraying Eskel in The Witcher,” Rasmussen’s statement, which you can check out in full below, reads in part. “It’s heartbreaking, of course, but I mostly feel happy and grateful for the days I got to spend on set earlier this year. Everyone was extremely engaged and passionate about the project and it was a truly inspiring experience.”

You can find the official description for Netflix’s The Witcher below.

“Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts,” Netflix said. “But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.”

The cast includes Henry Cavill (Geralt of Rivia), Anya Chalotra (Yennefer), Freya Allan (Ciri), Jodhi May (Calanthe), Björn Hlynur Haraldsson (Eist), Adam Levy (Mousesack), MyAnna Buring (Tissaia), Mimi Ndiweni (Fringilla), Therica Wilson-Read (Sabrina), Emma Appleton (Renfri), Eamon Farren (Cahir), Joey Batey (Jaskier), Lars Mikkelsen (Stregobor), Royce Pierreson (Istredd), Maciej Musiał (Sir Lazlo), Wilson Radjou-Pujalte (Dara), and Anna Shaffer as Triss.

The Witcher is available to stream on Netflix now, and you can also hit me up on Twitter @MattAguilarCB for all things Witcher!