Fans of The Witcher have long wondered how Netflix would handle one of the most challenging parts of Ciri’s story from the books. With Season 4 set to premiere on October 30, 2025, we now have our answer. The new season will feature a difficult scene where Ciri, having joined the gang of young outlaws known as the Rats, experiences a traumatic event that shapes her relationship with another member, Mistle.
The Story of Ciri and The Rats
At the end of Season 3, Ciri found herself in the Korath desert after escaping through a portal. She was eventually captured by traders before being freed by a group of teenage bandits called the Rats. It is with them that she takes on a new identity, calling herself Falka. This marks a major shift for her character, moving away from the princess she once was. Season 4 will explore this new, darker path as Ciri fully embraces life with the Rats.
In the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, this period is a turning point for Ciri. Shortly after joining the Rats, a deeply troubling event occurs. Another member of the gang, Kayleigh, tries to force himself on Ciri. Another Rat named Mistle intervenes and chases Kayleigh away. However, Mistle then takes advantage of Ciri’s vulnerable and shaken state, initiating a sexual encounter with her without her true consent. In the books, this leads to Ciri and Mistle becoming a couple for a significant part of the story.
How the Show Handles the Scene
According to recent reports, the show will not cut this controversial scene but will present a slightly softened version. In Season 4, the event will play out where Kayleigh forces himself on Ciri and is chased away by Mistle. After he leaves, Mistle becomes physically intimate with Ciri and asks if she can stay the night. Ciri, who is visibly upset and trembling, reluctantly agrees.
This moment is a key factor in the complex and often debated relationship that develops between Ciri and Mistle. The show will continue to follow them as a couple throughout the season. Their bond is significant enough that they are even set to get matching tattoos, as was hinted in earlier production news.
The actress playing Mistle, Christelle Elwin, recently spoke about her approach to the character. She described Mistle as a complex young woman who forges connections in a cruel world.
“[Mistle] is this amazing complex young woman who chooses her path despite the odds against her. For example, in the challenges she faces, still choosing to love and form relationships in a world that’s been so cruel to her. She never chooses to give up,” Elwin said. She also added, “I had to totally empathise with all of Mistle’s more questionable choices, but when it all clicked, it taught me how much empathy I’m really capable of.”
A Larger Season of Change
This difficult storyline is part of a season filled with major changes. Liam Hemsworth takes over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill. The story will adapt material from Sapkowski’s novels Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are all separated and must navigate a war-torn Continent, each forming new alliances.
For Ciri, her time with the Rats is a central part of her journey. However, this dark period will have consequences. The infamous bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, played by Sharlto Copley, is hunting the Rats. Set photos have confirmed that Ciri will be captured and endure a torture scene, showing her bruised and in rags, which is expected to involve Bonhart.
The Witcher Season 4 arrives on Netflix on October 30, 2025.
Credits: Tudum
