On December 3rd, Netflix hosted a one-night event at The Egyptian in Hollywood to promote the newest binge-worthy action fantasy, The Witcher. Engaging fans in a fully immersive Witcher experience, Netflix came to please and didn’t disappoint.
One of the most highly anticipated aspects of this event was a screening of the first episode of the show, and the chance to run into some of the actors on the red carpet. The showrunners did several fan tests over the last year, making sure they got all the details just right, and this was the final run in their experiments. What would the fans of The Witcher games and book series think of the show? What better way than to gather all the biggest Witcher nerds in Los Angeles to one major forum and actually just… show them!
Now, Netflix was kind enough to invite me to visit the fan experience to get my take, and as a Witcher fan, myself, I was elated to participate. I got to get up close and personal with the actor who portrayed one of the best characters in the entire franchise: Roach. Or rather a Roach cosplayer? Well, it was a horse that looked like Roach. And I promise he was acting normally and not doing some ultra weird nonsense like he does in the games.
But besides that beautiful mare, who was definitely a good girl and I love her forever, attendees were able to enjoy Witcher lore trivia, live music from actual bards, like Randal Piper, several photo booths with options for making a gif of yourself sword fighting, posing with Yennifer’s mask, becoming Geralt by using a funny face filter, and others. And if you were brave enough to participate, fans were given the chance to participate in the life-threatening, and life-changing Trial of the Grasses to become a witcher.
Considering this trial is made specifically for the hormones of men, and has a 100% mortality rate for women, I should consider how wonky my body’s chemistry is, because I totally passed. To partake in the trial, one must only drink the vial of mystery liquid and survive. If you make it through the agonizing… well… flavor, because let’s be honest, none of us signed life waivers for this, you got yourself a pretty sweet Witcher medallion replica from the TV series.
The event balanced experiences, mystery, involvement, and immersion, with a very well-done bit of crowd control. I was impressed with their ability to stagger fans as they went through the event’s many features without the issues of fire safety or ruining the immersion with just too many people in one small space. This held true for the greatest part of the outdoor experience (save the actual show premiere), running through a fully-immersive interactive set with actors portraying scenes from the series and involving you as though you were a part of the world.
In the interactive space, we went through training at Aretuza, which fans of the book will recognize as the location where Yennefer learned to control and grow her sorcery. After you pass your trials, you enter into the Tower Chamber of Cintra Castle just after the onslaught of the kingdom by Nilfgaardians, where you hear the tale of woe from a guard left behind. From there, you enter into the iconic scene from Geralt’s dream of a better life with Yennefer. That’s right, the bath tub. And surprise! It’s another photo booth!
But this brief respite from the trials and tribulations of being in this world, we enter right back into the fray. Specifically into a dark forest, lit only by the full moon. A place with evidence of a warrior’s campsite. And you’re not alone! Out from the woods shambles a raving madman — a scavenger ranting about Geralt and the affects his presence brings to the average denizens of the towns surrounding his exploits.
The engagement and dedication of everyone involved in this event, whether they be staff, actors, vendors, or even security, was truly impressive and encouraging. Netflix knows how to throw a mean party, and really up the hype around their major productions. The Witcher came to play, and did just that, taking all the fans with it.
As far as the first episode goes, that’s a whole different article, so stay tuned!
However, feel free to check out our gallery from the event Here!
What do you think? Are you excited for Netflix’s new Witcher series? Or are you wary?
I found this by searching on Bing. I wanted to say thanks for making this post, since I couldn’t attend this event, and felt like I missed out.