If you want some magical escapism now, A witch discovery‘comeback is perfectly timed. Based on Deborah Harkness’s All Souls novels, this contagious fantasy series revolves around Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer), a historian forced to embrace her magical powers after finding a bewitched manuscript at the Oxford Bodleian Library. When it premiered in 2018, the first season certainly cast a spell on viewers, as it tracked Diana’s burgeoning relationship with taciturn vampire Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode).
The second season features a series of new characters, including Gallowglass, a sculptural vampire played by SNAKE and Foreign actor Steven Cree. Here, he and Palmer explain why A witch discovery it is the right thing for those dark winter months.
It’s the perfect lockout getaway
“You will be transported to a totally different world with this show – it’s fantasy,” Cree says. “So I think now, with everything that’s going on in the real world, people are really going to respond to that.”
Everything has increased a little since the first season
“The development of the character is very strong. The defined pieces are epic. We have an incredible production designer who built this incredible backlot, ”says Palmer. “And I think the stories are just more complex, adventurous, romantic, dark and exciting. I think that, in all aspects of the show, the audience will be very excited to see how high it is. “
The action unfolds in a totally different era
“Most of the second season takes place in Elizabethan times, so we are 400 years behind in history,” says Cree. “In a way, it’s a perfect fit for the show because I think people associate magic, werewolves and witches with that era, so it feels right.”
Cree also points out that the new scenario “means that there are many new characters, including mine” and reassures fans of the first season that “we have some episodes set in the current period as well”.
You’ll see a new side of Diana
“I just love Diana’s journey,” says Palmer. “You know, she started the first season as a reluctant witch who has absolutely no control over her powers and abilities. But then, in the second season, she really starts to hone her skills and develop them. She really becomes quite competent with her magic. “
Palmer also says that since A Discovery of Witches was renewed for a second and third season before the second season went into production, the show “really was able to marinate these characters”.
“Knowing that we had two seasons was really a security blanket in a way,” she adds. “We knew that the story didn’t end with this season, so there was more opportunity to dive into different and interesting things [story] bows. “
Cree’s character will add a hint of levity
“I think it’s evident from the first scene that Gallowglass is a fun character,” says Cree. “I think it also brings the fun side to [Goode’s character] Mateus. Gallowglass is intensely loyal to Matthew and the Clairmont family in general, but at the same time, he marches to the beat of his own drum. So while Matthew is your uncle, Gallowglass has no problem telling you some home truths. “
Overall, Cree describes Gallowglass as “a kind of carefree contrast to Matthew’s more intense darkness and, well, blood fury.”
Oh, and watch out for the rowing scene, which was difficult to film
“I almost shit myself,” Cree remembers matter-of-factly. “Yes: one day he almost pooped in his Elizabethan clothing,” adds Palmer. “He got really sick on the set and I saw his face go white and I thought, ‘Guys, I really think there’s something wrong with him, he’s not making this up!'”
“It was very, very, very hot and I was all dressed in leather on a rowing boat,” continues Cree. “It was such a busy day and there were about 200 extras around and I had a sudden attack of shit. There were a few times when, literally, while they shouted ‘action!’, I had to run around the corner to throw up on a projectile and then go back to finish the scene. It couldn’t have been worse. But despite that, I think the scene was very strong! “
‘A Discovery of Witches’ will air on Sky One and NOW TV from January 8