‘The Witcher’ Season 2: Showrunner Explains Istredd’s Grander Impact in the Series and the Purpose of His Scene With Geralt
In The Witcher, Istredd is one of the few people Yennefer trusted at Aretuza. The blue-eyed sorcerer was a gifted historian who fell in love with Yennefer but ultimately betrayed her on multiple occasions. According to showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissirch, Istredd has a grander purpose for fans in The Witcher Season 2. His impact also fleshes out the affection and the love triangle between him, Geralt, and Yennefer.
‘The Witcher’ showrunner wanted Istredd to be a useful tool for fans in season 2
Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski’s original book series would notice the difference between Istredd from the written page to the screen. Istredd is present in most of Yenenfer’s timeline in The Witcher while she is being trained at Aretuza. He is a well-versed scientist and historian who has a relationship with Yennefer before her beatification ceremony.
Hissrich explains Istredd’s bigger involvement in the show was a useful decision that had to be made. Istredd is introduced in the original story, A Shard of Ice. But he is not a central character throughout the books. “We decided to introduce him in season one as a bigger character and the historian of our world. He was always a scientist,” said Hissrich to 1883 Magazine.
In The Witcher Season 2, Istredd had a far bigger role than fans realized. “He’s constantly looking at things that happen in the world around him, trying to piece together the mysteries of the monoliths or looking into the Elven struggle,” said the showrunner. Istredd asks the bigger questions like what Ciri has to do in the middle of all the chaotic events and is the one to seek out the help of Codringher and Fenn.
“He allows the audience to step back and see how what they’re watching fits into the larger picture,” said Hissrich. Istredd’s grander impact in The Witcher Season 2 ties to Geralt and Yennefer.
Istredd and Geralt’s encounter in ‘The Witcher’ Season 2 was unexpected
A huge part of The Witcher Season 2 is uncovering Ciri’s lineage and what it means going foward. Istredd plays a big role in it. It begins when Triss sends Geralt to Istredd. Geralt and Triss realize the leshy, and the monsters fought at Kaer Morhen have a magical element connected to the monoliths.
The expert on the subject is Istredd. In The Witcher Season 2, during episode 5, Istredd pieces together what Geralt is missing and something more. Istredd is the one that helps Geralt realize that Yennefer is alive. She never died at the Battle of Sodden Hill. Both characters are together for a reason.
“They are together for a purpose. Istrid is researching. Geralt’s trying to understand what’s going on with Ciri. In a simple conversation, they realize not only are they in love with the same woman, but Geralt realizes Yennefer is alive,” said Hissrich.
The unexpected encounter between the two characters fleshed out the purpose of the monoliths. But Istredd’s involvement finally pushed Geralt out of the broken-hearted slump he was in.
Where is Istredd’s story headed in ‘The Witcher’ Season 3?
Istredd’s role as the character who uncovers truth also occurs in the finale. After learning who Ciri really is and her bloodline, he meets with Francesca and the elves. He blurts out that Ciri is the savior they have been waiting for and has Elder blood.
After the jaw-dropping reveal at the end of The Witcher Season 2, fans can expect more from Istredd. He could aid the elves in finding Ciri, knowing he is with Geralt. Istredd could also side with the witcher and help uncover more of Ciri’s powers. The upcoming season will adapt the Time of Contempt novel.
It is unclear when The Witcher Season 3 will premiere, but Movie Web reports filming will allegedly take place from March to August 2022.
