According to a new report from trusted Witcher news source Redanian Intelligence, Netflix has cast an actress to play Shani in the television show. Filming is currently underway on the show's fifth and final season. The source indicates she will be introduced during the second half of season 5. She will be played by Emily-Jo Young (Sexy Beast).
Fans had believed Shani to be cut entirely from the show when she didn't appear in season 2, the season that adapted Andrzej Sapkowski's book Blood of Elves. Honestly, losing Shani altogether wouldn't have been that significant of a loss, as her role in the books is minor (and controversial, but more on that later). She is much more prevalent in the canon created by CD Projekt Red in their popular Witcher video game series inspired by the books. But remember: the Netflix show is adapting Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, not the games.
Shani's potential role in the show
It's hard to say exactly what Shani's role in the Netflix series could be. In the books, Shani is introduced as a 17-year-old student of Oxenfurt Academy. She and Geralt go on to have a sexual dalliance, which many feel is icky due to the sizable age difference between them. Though their relationship doesn't progress, it can still leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Later, during The Lady in the Lake, Shani returns as a fully fledged field medic during the Battle of Brenna. But Rednanian Intelligence points out that they haven't seen any indication of the battle being filmed. It's possible they just didn't see the shoot happen or Shani could be playing a different role in the show than in the books.
As for whether or not Shani will come between Geralt and Yennefer, that remains to be seen, but let's get into why I think that's unlikely.
Yennefer and Geralt have a complicated relationship that veers toward "open relationship" territory at times, especially throughout the novels. By the end of season 3 on the show, the two are together and seemingly in a good place. Considering the show didn't include Geralt and Shani's Blood of Elves storyline, I don't see why they would suddenly bring her on as a romantic interest for Geralt—unless they're trying to appeal to gamers.
The main reason Shani has become so popular is not due to her book appearances but the version of her crafted by CD Projekt Red. She is one of two main love interests in the first Witcher game and later returns to play a significant role in the Hearts of Stone DLC expansion for The Witcher 3.
In fact, CD Projekt Red appeared to be very fond of Shani as a character, even adding a scripted kissing scene during one quest that has been met with backlash as it forces players who wanted to be faithful to Yennefer or Triss (the primary love interests for the third game) to cheat (yes, I'm still bitter about that).
In summation, Shani's involvement could go in a lot of different directions on the show, but knowing how The Lady of the Lake ends (no spoilers!), I don't really foresee Shani breaking up Geralt and Yennefer, even if a minor flirtation occurs.
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