Is Yennefer played by two different actresses in The Witcher?
No, Anya Chalotra is the sole actress who has brought Yennefer of Vengerberg to life on screen so far. As we enter season 3, she remains the star portraying Yennefer across all episodes released to date on Netflix.
Who is Anya Chalotra?
As an aspiring young British actor, Anya Chalotra landed her breakout lead role playing the complex fan-favorite mage Yennefer in 2019. This was her first major TV part after brief stints on Wanderlust and The ABC Murders.
According to an interview with Chalotra, it took over seven chemistry reads with over 30 actors before she was confirmed as the choice for Yennefer opposite Henry Cavill‘s Geralt. Producers saw something special in her ability to capture Yennefer‘s dynamism and huge range of emotions.
Becoming Yennefer
Leading up to filming, Chalotra underwent intense physical training to get into "witcher shape". However the most stunning transformation was Yennefer‘s look. As fans, we are used to seeing dark hair, piercing violet eyes, and impeccable style.
- Chalotra is naturally a brunette but went jet black for the role
- She wears violet contacts to achieve Yennefer‘s unique eye color
- Extensive costumes, hair, and makeup take up to two hours each day
Showrunners kept her look close to the vision from the games and book covers that fans cherish.
Comparing Yennefer‘s Look Year-on-Year
While subtle, we noticed a shift in styling between the first and second seasons. See the key differences highlighted below:
| Visual Detail | Season 1 | Season 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Color | Very dark brown | Jet black with colored highlights |
| Hair Style | Mostly loose waves | Often in intricate braids or up-dos |
| Eye Color | Violet | Paler violet |
| Makeup | Dark eyes and nude lips | Bolder eyes and dark lips |
These changes reflect her shift from ditzy novice to confident master sorceress. However, none impact the raw talent Chalotra brings to the role.
Why Anya as Yennefer Just Works
As an avid gamer and Witcher enthusiast, I was initially unsure if the relative newcomer could capture Yennefer‘s intricate persona. However, she has proven me utterly wrong.
Where many see a vain anti-hero, Anya shows us Yennefer‘s vulnerability and humanity behind the glamor. She is fierce yet sensitive, ruthless but loving. Anya lays bare the complexity of Yennefer‘s brokenness and questionable methods.
With grace and range, she carries intense scenes pivotally exploring disability, assault, racism and women‘s agency in a male-dominated world. Anya‘s Yennefer resonates as authentic, bringing a refreshing voice to the fantasy table.
By the Numbers
- The Witcher is Netflix‘s second most popular series ever after Stranger Things
- 76 million households streamed season 1 in its first 4 weeks
- 93% Rotten Tomatoes critic score for season 2
- Anya Chalotra is the breakout star of reactions for season 2
The stunning success owes much to Anya‘s stellar portrayal of fan-favorite Yennefer driving intrigue. And with viewership still surging, we await more from her in season 3.
So in summary – is Yennefer played by different actresses? No. Anya Chalotra truly owns the role. As Yennefer‘s story expands, I predict Anya‘s star rising even higher.
