Netflix’s adaptation of The Witcher series has been a topic of heated debate among fans since its release. While the show brought the beloved fantasy world to the screen and gained significant popularity, it undeniably strayed from the source material in several key ways. Among the most controversial aspects was the portrayal of one of the series’ pivotal characters, Yennefer. However, with a new version of the story set to arrive in 2026, fans have renewed hope that the franchise will finally deliver a version more faithful to Andrzej Sapkowski’s celebrated novels.
The Controversy Surrounding Netflix’s Yennefer
The Witcher novels by Andrzej Sapkowski are a rich collection of interwoven stories, often presented as scattered short tales. This narrative style naturally posed challenges for any screen adaptation, leading to necessary changes in structure and character arcs. While many praised Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt for capturing the spirit of the books and video games, Anya Chalotra’s Yennefer sparked immediate criticism from fans.
The criticism wasn’t directed at Chalotra herself but rather at the character’s portrayal, which many viewers felt deviated sharply from the original Yennefer. In the novels, Yennefer is a fiercely intelligent, calculating, and self-assured sorceress whose motivations and emotions are tightly controlled. The Netflix series, on the other hand, depicted her with scattered emotions, moments of indecisiveness, and reactive decision-making — traits many fans argued were far removed from Sapkowski’s vision.
One of the most contentious narrative choices was the addition of a motherhood storyline for Yennefer—a plot thread not present in the books. In the show, she sacrifices her chance at motherhood and later regrets it, driving much of her quest. This addition altered the character’s essence and alienated purists who preferred the classic portrayal of Yennefer’s complexities and ambitions.
The Last Wish: The Crux of the Witcher Netflix Misstep
Among the original short stories, “The Last Wish” holds a special place as it introduces how Geralt and Yennefer first met and why their fates became intertwined. This story is pivotal in understanding their relationship dynamics and has been one of the most anticipated to be accurately adapted.
Netflix’s adaptation of “The Last Wish” deviated far from the beloved original. Instead of faithfully retelling how Geralt’s final wish binds him to Yennefer, the show rewrote the story to focus on Yennefer’s attempt to use a djinn’s magical power to regain fertility. This plot resulted in Yennefer’s anger toward Geralt, who unknowingly foiled her plans by using his last wish to save her life.
In Sapkowski’s original story, Yennefer’s objective is not to restore her fertility but to recapture the genie. The poignant moment is Geralt’s secret last wish—a wish that binds their destinies together in an unbreakable bond. Upon hearing Geralt’s wish, Yennefer comprehends its significance, and they fall deeply in love. This subtlety and emotional depth were lost in the Netflix retelling, upsetting many fans who hoped for a faithful adaptation.
A New Adaptation: Righting the Wrong with “The Last Wish” Graphic Novel
In response to the widespread dissatisfaction, a new adaptation is underway, promising to present this crucial story correctly. Dark Horse and CD Projekt RED are collaborating to bring The Witcher: The Last Wish into a fresh graphic novel form, aiming to honor Sapkowski’s original narrative and characterizations.
Editor and writer Marcin Zwierzchowsk emphasized the importance of capturing Yennefer’s true essence:
“This story is really special, as it introduces one of the most important characters in Geralt’s life — Yennefer. And what an introduction it is! She’s fierce, and as beautiful as she is dangerous. We needed to get Yennefer right. And when I saw [artist Guillermo Fajardo’s] first designs for her, and saw how he captured this duality in her, I knew the whole story would now work.”
This graphic novel adaptation looks poised to give fans the version of Yennefer and her first encounter with Geralt that they’ve been longing for—steadfastly faithful to the source while leveraging vibrant visuals to deepen the storytelling. Fans can expect an accurate portrayal of the iconic relationship, free from the deviations that stirred controversy in the Netflix series.
The Witcher: The Last Wish graphic novel is scheduled for release in bookstores and comic shops on August 11 and 12, 2026, retailing at $19.99 with pre-orders available now. This new adaptation builds excitement not only as a collectible piece but also as a hopeful corrective to previous adaptations.
Conclusion
The upcoming release of The Witcher: The Last Wish graphic novel signals a renewed commitment to authenticity within the Witcher franchise. Where Netflix’s series faltered with its portrayal of Yennefer and the rewriting of pivotal moments, the new adaptation promises to honor the source material, particularly bringing to life the critical moment when Geralt and Yennefer’s fates were first bound.
For fans of The Witcher, this means an opportunity to experience a version of the story that respects the tone, themes, and characters of Andrzej Sapkowski’s original work more closely. As anticipation builds for this faithful retelling, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in adapting beloved literature to screen and page. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
