With the release of the fourth season of "The Witcher" on Netflix and the upcoming fifth and final part, actress Anya Chalotra spoke about the dark side of working as Yennefer of Vengerberg. After seven years in the world of Geralt and mages, Chalotra admitted that she left the network to protect herself from online abuse.
In an interview, she recalled how from the first episode she was bombarded with insults and threats from viewers who were unhappy with the show's creative decisions or her appearance, which did not meet fan expectations. The actress emphasized that she loved the role and prepared thoroughly, reading Andrzej Sapkowski's novels and playing CD Projekt Red games to honestly convey the character.
But the emotional impact of the bullying was devastating:
"The first season... was very negative for me. A lot of positive things, but, of course, negative things... It was one of my first jobs. It really got to me. I quickly realized that it could all be quite stressful."
The situation got to the point where she closed all social networks and focused on real life.
Today, the thirty-year-old Chalotra recalls the experience with warmth. Starting the role at 23, she grew professionally with the character, working 8 months a year at Longcross Studios and Wales, creating deep connections with colleagues. She calls this time "intense, frightening, but incredibly emotional."
Saying goodbye to "The Witcher" coincided with Henry Cavill's replacement by Liam Hemsworth as Geralt, which caused a new wave of criticism and threats. Chalotra supported her colleague, noting that the team welcomed him with respect.
