Netflix axes blockbuster show’s prequel series in another blow to fans after major casting shake-up

NETFLIX has axed an upcoming series as part of its latest string of programming cuts.

Fantasy drama The Witcher, which starred Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster hunter for hire, announced last week that its upcoming fourth series would be its last.

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Cavill held the leading role for the first three seasons, but Liam Hemsworth will step into the role of Geralt beginning in season four.

Following The Witcher’s success on the streaming platform, Netflix had devised a spin-off series titled The Rats.

It would have focused on the group of renegades Ciri (Freya Allan) joined at the end of season three.

However, plans for the spin-off, intended to be a prequel series with six to eight episodes, have now been shelved.

It comes following Netflix announcing while The Witcher will also be returning for season four, this will be the show’s last outing.

Having premiered in December 2019, a total of 24 episodes have aired to date.

The story comes from Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series of the same name, spanning six novels and 15 short stories.

The show takes place in a fictional, mediaeval-inspired landmass known as The Continent.

Witchers are ordinary humans who are taken as children, trained and physically mutated for the purpose of killing monsters.

The ensemble cast also includes Anya Chalotra, Eamon Farren, Joey Batey and Anna Shafer, among others.