Season 1 of Netflix’s The Witcher introduced several colorful side characters, like Yarpen Zigrin, Triss Merigold, and Mousesack, who enhanced the created world, played a crucial part in the main story, and helped the audience discover the protagonists’ motivations and values. While fans are hoping to see several of their books’ and games’ favorites in season 2, the appearance of some of the key characters has already been confirmed — including the Redanian master spy, Sigismund Dijkstra.

The Witcher, based on the books by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a monster hunter for hire; Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress with many dangerous foes; and Ciri, a young princess of Cintra, hunted by the Nilfgaard. Aside from facing numerous monsters and treacherous twists of fate, the protagonists have to navigate the political dangers of the Continent, represented by its power-hungry rulers, ambitious mages, and influential court players.

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While a striga might seem like a vicious foe, political machinations and court intrigues can be just as deadly in the world of The Witcher. And few can navigate the Continent’s dangerous waters as well as Sigismund Dijkstra (or Sigi Reuven), head of the Redanian secret service. Dijkstra appeared both in the original books and in the popular game series by CD Project Red and quickly became one of the fan favorites. With the season’s two castings confirming the character’s appearance, here’s everything one needs to know about this master spy.

Who Is Sigismund Dijkstra?

Redanian master spy Dijkstra and witcher Geralt

The head of Redanian Intelligence, Dijkstra, is a master manipulator. His schemes range from regicidal plots to operating bathhouses as information mills to syndicating criminals and churchgoers for mutually assured law evasion. While often considered an antagonist, Dijkstra has been known to collaborate with Geralt on more than one occasion — that is not to say he didn’t do it for his own gain. He’s infamous for flipping sides and betraying the trust of those he works with, making him an exciting addition to the show’s season 2 and a ruthless foe that the witcher should never underestimate.

He Doesn’t Look Like A Typical Spy

Redanian master spy Dijkstra

Dijkstra’s appearance is deceiving and is as far from a stereotypical spy’s as possible. Instead of being a scrawny, unmemorable man easily lost in the crowd, Dijkstra is imposing, large, near seven-foot-tall, and is known to wear bright colors and flamboyant clothes. While he has a small legion of men at his command, when needed, he’s not afraid to get his hands bloodied and throw his impressive full weight at the opponent.

While it will be interesting to see whether his depiction on the show will be close to that in the games, this character will undoubtedly be hard to overlook.

He Has A Humble Background

Head of Redanian secret service, Sigi Dijkstra

Despite often being referred to as a count in public, Dijkstra is a mere commoner, with King Vizimir inventing the title as a cover. He started as a minor spy in Novigrad but quickly rose to power after impressing the Redanian king through exposing secret materials that revealed the incompetence of his Secretary of State. King Vizimir granted him the position of the Royal Security Assignee, and within a few years, Dijkstra managed to overhaul the service’s structures, replaced moles with men faithful to him, and expanded his influence and the spy network from Kovir to the Nilfgaardian Empire.

Considering that Redania and King Vizimir are likely to play a big part in the season 2 plot — as shown by the leaked audition tape — Djikstra’s interaction with the ruler, as well as his potential background, are likely to be featured on the show.

He Recruits Jaskier

Jaskier playing the lute in Netflix's The Witcher

In the original books, Dijkstra recruits Jaskier to deliver intelligence on Geralt and his adventures. While the bard is forced to cooperate due to the spy holding leverage over him, Jaskier employs his wits and silver tongue to reveal as little as possible — which, of course, never fools Dijkstra. One of the topics that the master spy becomes interested in is the survival of Ciri, who was thought to have been killed during the attack on Cintra.

Even though Jaskier’s depiction in the show slightly differs from the source material, this plotline is likely to feature in season 2 — especially considering that it’s somewhat tied to Yennefer and Rience, a mage with a burned face, who already appeared in the upcoming season’s trailer.

He Played A Part In The Thanedd Coup

Thanedd Coup against the Nilfgaardian mages in The Witcher

Without revealing too much of the story, it’s sufficient to say that the coup revolved around the division between mages as to supporting Nilfgaard, the North, or remaining neutral in the war, which led to the dismembering of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers. Dijkstra was trying to recruit Geralt to join his side to no avail and instead got disabled by the witcher. The plotline is featured in the later books and will likely appear in the show’s upcoming seasons.

He Has A Complicated Relationship With Philippa Eilhart

Master spy Dijkstra and sorceress Philippa Eilhart

For all his intelligence, calculating mind, and talent for manipulation, Dijkstra still falls victim to Philippa’s (Cassie Clare) charm, beauty, and cunning. She is a powerful enchantress, one of the founders of the Lodge of Sorceresses, and a rare polymorph mage, who was blinded by the Redanian king in an attempt to prevent her escape from prison. In the original books, Dijkstra and the sorceress become lovers and join forces to organize the Thanedd Coup, later becoming the de-facto leaders of Redania. However, it is later revealed that Philippa prefers the company of women and is mainly using the spy to expand her power. Dijkstra still continues to pine for the sorceress even years after their break-up.

Considering their role in Ciri’s and Geralt’s fates, it’s safe to say their relationship will feature in season 2 to some extent.

Who Will Play Dijkstra In Netflix’s The Witcher?

Graham McTavish will play Dijkstra in The Witcher

The Redanian master spy will be played by Graham McTavish, the Scottish actor known for his work in The Hobbit, Outlander, Preacher, Lucifer, Castlevania, and the Uncharted game series, among many other projects. With his diverse cinematic and theatrical background, extensive experience in the fantasy genre, and composed but sarcastic demeanor, he will most certainly do a great job bringing this colorful and influential character to life on screen.

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