Netflix's smash hit The Witcher has just revealed that it is casting the master of spies, Dijkstra, and one of the first to audition is none other than Graham McTavish. Production is quickly approaching filming for season 2, and McTavish, who is known for his work in The Hobbit, Outlander, Preacher, Lucifer, and the Castlevania series among many other projects, is well-qualified for the role. The Scottish actor auditioned for the role sometime this last week, and fans of the series can get a sneak peek at his actual audition tape.
The notorious puppet master of spies Sigismund Dijkstra, also known as Sigi Reuven who presides over all the gangs of Novigrad in the games, is an exciting casting decision. Dijkstra is infamous for flipping sides and betraying the trust of those he works with, making him an excellent foil for Geralt to be wary of in season 2. The potential for Dijkstra's storyline is vast and could help reveal what happened in the Thanedd Coup, mentioned several times in the game, and where Geralt received his permanent limp.
In the scene that McTavish auditioned with, his character was surreptitiously named David so as to avoid any spoilers for the character. The dialogue was also specifically written for the audition by Lauren Hissrich and her team to avoid any plot spoilers that may leak into the press. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich also created fake names and scenes that weren't in the series for casting in season one of The Witcher. For example, in season one Istredd was named "Isaac" and Renfri was known as “Riley” in the original audition scenes.
McTavish's intial audition tape was leaked via Redanian Intelligence, which is typically a piece of content saved for after the actor books the role, or when the season is released. The original video from Vimeo had quickly been removed from the internet, but Redanian Intelligence was able to recover the video. Whether the audition was leaked on purpose to further hype for season 2's casting or Redanian Intelligence was able to get its hands on the tape in some other fashion is still not known. Whatever the case may be, it's clear that the character of Djikstra is going to be pivotal in season 2, and hopefully, McTavish will assume the role.
The following is a transcript of the audition scene:
King Vizimir: For such a large man “David”, you move remarkably like the wind, though in this case a foul one.
Dijkstra: (Smiles) Can’t be that foul, it took you an eternity to take notice.
King Vizimir: It’s your reputation for getting new information that worries my senses.
Dijkstra: I’ll be gentle, you won’t feel a thing. Now, after the stunning escape of the prisoner in the East, I thought you want to hear the news, right away.
King Vizimir: It’s more gossip than news.
Dijkstra: Well, in my line of work today’s gossip is next month’s news.
King Vizimir: That could be your motto for life.
Dijkstra: Hmm… The East believes themselves to be powerful, and yet how quickly they take the will of the kings to heart?
King Vizimir: And if this escape is true…
Dijkstra: Oh don’t worry, they may have lengthened the necks of a few of my spies, but I have plenty more.
King Vizimir: You just finished a war you can’t possibly want to start another.
Dijkstra: No, but a coup is possible. And the best way to keep their swords in their scabbards is to keep them down.
King Vizimir: What do you want of me?
Dijkstra: A plan to do just that. Something smart, simple, behind the scenes in a way that only you and I can do best.
King Vizimir: And why do you place your bet on finding this escape artist?
Dijkstra: Well, the most important thing that I have discovered is that they have no fucking clue as to the current whereabouts of the prisoner. So, find him, and you control the voice of the rebellion. You control the East and with it, all the power.
King Vizimir: Then it seems your trip was a success.
Dijkstra: I always like to take more than I give. Your Majesty.
https://videopress.com/v/T2mcgtfG
The Witcher TV series is not the only entertainment that fans can get excited about while they wait for the release of season 2 in 2021. It was recently announced that a Witcher animated movie would be made for Netflix, although a release window has yet to be announced. Fans will also be excited to know that the long-awaited soundtrack for The Witcher season one releases today. All 55 songs are available on Spotify now.
The Witcher season one is out now exclusively on Netflix.
Source: Redanian Intelligence