The Witcher season 2 loses key actor due to COVID scheduling issues

The second season of The Witcher will introduce us to several new witchers, but one has to drop out due to complications from the pandemic.

Netflix is now on the hunt to find a new actor to replace Thue Rasmussen as Eskel in the second season of The Witcher. This comes after the actor confirmed that he had to drop out of his role because of scheduling concerns as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rasmussen actually already filmed scenes as Witcher Eskel earlier this year, before COVID-19 made everything more difficult. Now, he’s no longer in a position to continue, even as the show gets back to work with new safety restrictions in place. Netflix has yet to release a statement on the situation, but Rasmussen announced it on his personal Instagram:

"Sadly, due to the rescheduling because of Covid-19, I will not be portraying Eskel in The Witcher. 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. A heartfelt thank you to all the fans who wrote me lovely, encouraging messages. I wish everyone on the show best of luck with the rest of the production. I’m sure season 2 will be absolutely amazing and now I get to watch it as a fanboy instead of as a Witcher."

Rasmussen was one of several new actors coming on board for season 2, a bunch of which are playing new witchers. Paul Bullion, who’s playing the witcher Lambert, extended his sympathies to Rasmussen on Twitter:

Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich also reached out:

Other new players include Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju (as the monster Nivellen), Killing Eve veteran Kim Bodnia (as Geralt’s mentor Vesemir), and Mecia Simson (as the Elven sorceress Francesca).

Eskel was supposed to play a key part in season 2, so Netflix will have to recast. Redanian Intelligence speculates that Basil Eidenbenz or Craig McGinlay may be good fits for the part. The situation is also tricky because Rasmussen had already filmed scenes; will they cut those out, digitally replace him, or what?

The Witcher season 1 is currently available to stream on Netflix.

UPDATE: Deadline reports that Victoria star Basil Eidenbenz has been recast in the part of Eskel.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Basil Eidenbenz attends a private screening of “Actress”, written and directed by Daisy Lewis, in aid of Action On Addiction at The Soho Hotel on October 21, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

They’ll have to reshoot the scenes that Rasmussen already shot, but it’s good to see they’re moving right along.

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