In the world of The Witcher TV shows, the first (potential) queer romance has captured the attention and hearts of fans. The ship, known as "Geraskier," refers to the characters Geralt (Henry Cavill) and Jaskier, and has become the most popular couple in The Witcher universe.
While their romance is yet to become a reality, the upcoming third season introduces Jaskier's exploration of his sexuality with a new character named Prince Radovid, played by Hugh Skinner.
On the romance, Joey Batey, who portrays Jaskier, told Gay Times, “I was very excited and a little apprehensive, if I’m honest, because I wanted to ensure that it was done sensitively and carefully; that it wasn’t, in any way, becoming stereotyped.”
Hugh Skinner, known for his roles in Les Misérables and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, added, “As a gay guy myself, it was a thrilling opportunity to play an LGBTQ+ character in a show of this genre and with this much reach. It’s just been so exciting and a real privilege.”
During the interview, Batey also acknowledged the ongoing discussions about Jaskier's potential romantic feelings for Geralt, stating that it was wonderful to see his character represented as panromantic or pansexual in a flagship show like The Witcher.
When asked about the chemistry between Jaskier and Radovid, the actors hinted at a star-crossed connection. However, the political and tumultuous world they inhabit may try to keep them apart. The evolving political situation and the characters' newfound importance in it add additional layers of complexity to their relationship.
Recognizing the possibility of homophobic backlash, Batey acknowledged the existence of a vocal negative space within the fandom. However, he believes that this negativity is a minority, and their work is worth any potential backlash. He expressed his determination to counteract bigotry and defend the inclusive nature of the show.
The third season of The Witcher premieres on Netflix on June 29. Watch the trailer below.