After the massively positive reception The Witcher received, Netflix ordered a series focused on the past that makes up the world of the series. On Christmas Day, Netflix unveiled all four episodes of The Witcher: Blood Origin, with the main action taking place over a thousand years in the past. With the series taking on this new setting, there are plenty of new faces. Here we are going to review some of the key cast members that make up the diverse roster. We will be giving a brief rundown on the character they will be playing as well as recalling some of the actor’s notable work.

Joey Batey - Jaskier

     Netflix

One of the first faces viewers will see is a familiar one, as Joey Batey reprises his role of Jaskier, the charismatic bard known for following Geralt of Rivia and regaling many with tales of the Witcher’s adventures. While some may question how Jaskier could be present for such a story, it is because he was called upon to bear witness to events of the past so that he may retell the story, ensuring it is not forgotten. Joey Batey is most known for his time as Jaskier, but he’s had experience in television with notable roles, such as when he played Pierre in Knightfall and appeared as Henderson in the premiere episodes of 2019’s War of the Worlds.

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Minnie Driver - Seanchai

     Entertainment Film Distributors

Taking on the role of Seanchai, Minnie Driver gets to play the deus ex machina that pulls Jaskier from his place in the present and tasks him with watching the events of the past. Seanchai wishes for him to help the world remember the event known as the Conjunction of the Spheres. Minnie Driver has a litany of films to her credit, but one of her most well-known roles comes from the animation field. Driver has worked with Disney as Jane Porter in the movie Tarzan (1999). Driver also had a significant role as Carlotta in the cinematic adaptation of the musical Phantom of the Opera (2004).

Sophia Brown - The Lark

     FKA Twigs

Originally, Jodie Turner-Smith was cast to play the lead role of Eile but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts. Sophia Brown was cast to step in and has been a capable lead, acting as an inactive member of the Raven Clan and traveling as a musician only known as “The Lark.” Eile decides to stand up for a young lady, and this sets her on a course to become a part of a greater destiny. Sophia Brown is in her star-making role, having previously appeared as a debutante in Beauty and the Beast (2017), as well as performing in a music video for the artist FKA Twigs.

Laurence O’Fuarian - Fjall

Fjall is a warrior of the Dog Clan, although he’s recently been exiled for sleeping with a noblewoman. Fjall has a chance encounter with Eile, and while the two begin their journey at odds with one another, fate may have other ideas for them. Laurence O’Fuarain is looking to make this his breakthrough role as he’s previously played minor roles on other television shows, such as when he played Desmond Bryne in Rebellion and briefly appeared as Hakon in Vikings.

Mirren Mack - Princess Merwyn

     All3Media

Mirren Mack plays Princess Merwyn, a noble who is overcome with the desire to avoid the mistakes of the past and seeks out a being who can unite the warring kingdoms under one banner. She is also the noblewoman that went to bed with Fjall, leading to his exile. Mack has had time in the spotlight, first with a recurring role as Florence in Sex Education and then taking on the role of Kaya in the miniseries The Nest. She has also appeared in numerous short films over the last couple of years. Mirren Mack is also known for multiple performances on stage, working on such shows as Twelfth Night and Oklahoma!

Michelle Yeoh - Scian

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Michelle Yeoh plays Scian, a young elf from the Sword Clan. After Eile and Fjall manage to set their differences aside, they seek out Scian, believing the warrior will be able to guide them on their journey. It is Scian who helps focus the group on recruiting more adventurers to their cause. Michelle Yeoh has participated in many hit franchises, such as when she played Yu Shu Lien in the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series of films. Yeoh has also appeared as two different characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First, she briefly appeared as Aleta Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) and then as Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).

Mark Rowley - King Alvitir

     Carnival Film & Television

Mark Rowley appears as King Alvitir, the brother to Princess Merwyn. Alvitir didn’t take his sister’s warnings seriously, and instead of taking her on as an advisor as she wished, he would brush her off as nothing more than a trophy wife, one to use to help end a war. Mark Rowley has plenty of experience working on shows featuring an early setting, with one of his most prominent positions being when he played Finan in The Last Kingdom. Rowley has also made appearances in video games, having provided the voice work for Alexander Graham Bell in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

Lenny Henry - Balor

     BBC Studios

Leading the charge as the series’ main antagonist is Lenny Henry as Chief Druid, Balor. Balor is more than just a man with high political power, as he has a dark history of betrayal and monsters. When Balor sets his plan in motion, it’s going to take a brave sect of warriors to stand in his way. Lenny Henry has decades of experience under his belt, and he is being cast in multiple high-profile projects as such. Shortly before The Witcher: Blood Origin aired, Henry was seen in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Lenny Henry has also made appearances on shows such as Dr. Who and The Sandman.