Laurence Fishburne joins Netflix's The Witcher Season 4 as Regis, the legendary Higher Vampire who becomes one of Geralt's most crucial allies in his quest to find Ciri. Fishburne's portrayal of this complex character marks a pivotal moment in the series, bringing depth and gravitas to a fan-favorite role from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels and CD Projekt Red's acclaimed game expansion.
| Character Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Actor | Laurence Fishburne |
| Character Name | Emiel Regis Rohellec Terzieff-Godefroy |
| Race | Higher Vampire |
| Age | Over 400 years old |
| Profession | Barber-Surgeon |
| First Appearance | Baptism of Fire (Book 3) |
| Season 4 Role | Geralt's ally and companion |
Regis, whose full name is Emiel Regis Rohellec Terzieff-Godefroy, is one of the most fascinating characters in The Witcher mythology. As a Higher Vampire, he possesses extraordinary abilities and wisdom that make him far more than just another monster for Geralt to hunt. Unlike lesser vampires, Higher Vampires are physically similar to humans and don't need to drink blood to survive, though they can enhance their strength by doing so.
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Regis is over 400 years old when he first meets Geralt during the Second Northern War in August 1267. He served as the barber-surgeon of Dillingen and is remarkably well-educated, making him a true polymath with knowledge spanning numerous subjects including medicine, alchemy, and the supernatural.
In his younger years, Regis developed problematic habits to fit in with other vampires. While drinking blood wasn't necessary for Higher Vampires, it was considered similar to alcohol consumption in human society - those who abstained were seen as outsiders. Under peer pressure, Regis began drinking blood, and his habit spiraled out of control until he lost all restraint.
Regis' life took a dramatic turn when, while flying under the influence of blood, he crashed into a village well. The villagers, believing him to be a monster, attempted to kill him by chopping off his head, staking him, and pouring holy water on his body before burying him. Fortunately, none of these methods could actually kill a Higher Vampire, but Regis was so severely injured that he spent the next 50 years regenerating underground.
This half-century of solitude gave Regis time to reflect on his behavior, leading him to make a solemn pact with himself never to drink blood again. This decision fundamentally shaped his character and his approach to life, making him a more thoughtful and controlled individual.
The meeting between Geralt and Regis occurs during the events that will be depicted in The Witcher Season 4, specifically adapted from the novel "Baptism of Fire." Geralt, traveling with Zoltan Chivay's company and trying to avoid Nilfgaardian forces, comes across Regis' summer cottage near Fen Carn, an old elven cemetery.
Regis initially hides from Geralt's group, but the witcher, being extra paranoid about potential ghouls in the area, detects movement and investigates. Following a trail of fragrant herbs and spices, Geralt discovers Regis' hiding place and demands he come out. When Regis emerges, he introduces himself and invites the group back to his cottage.
At the cottage, the group discovers Regis' mandrake moonshine and begins partaking in it. However, Regis abstains, explaining that he has made a pact with himself never to drink again. As the others become intoxicated, Regis demonstrates his vast knowledge on various topics, including healing and mandrakes. He learns from the drunken party that Geralt is searching for his ward, Ciri, in Nilfgaard.
Realizing the war is more dire than he thought and that it would be unsafe to return to his winter home in Dillingen or remain alone near Fen Carn, Regis decides to join Geralt's group. This decision marks the beginning of one of the most important friendships in Geralt's life and sets the stage for Regis' crucial role in the events to come.
One of the most pivotal moments in Regis' story - and a scene that will likely be featured prominently in The Witcher Season 4 - occurs at a refugee camp on the Chotla river. This scene not only reveals Regis' true nature but also demonstrates his character and values.
Geralt's group encounters a refugee camp where a priest is condemning a mentally challenged woman, accusing her of witchcraft and claiming she's in league with a vampire in the area. The priest demands an impossible trial to prove their innocence: removing a horseshoe from a fire and bringing it to him without suffering burn marks.
Before Geralt and his companions can formulate a plan, Regis steps forward and calmly removes a horseshoe from the fire, holding it in his hand without showing any signs of burns. This demonstration of his supernatural nature should prove their innocence, but instead, the priest accuses them of black magic.
The situation escalates when Nilfgaardian troops approach, causing everyone to scatter. Being a vampire, Regis is able to hide and observe that Geralt and Dandelion have been captured and taken to Fort Armeria to be executed.
Regis uses his vampire abilities to rescue Geralt and Dandelion, putting the sentries to sleep undetected and freeing the witcher and bard. However, Geralt, now aware of Regis' true nature, thanks him for the rescue but warns him that it would be best if they didn't see each other again.
Despite Geralt's warning, Regis continues to help the group, appearing again to bandage Dandelion's wounds. When Geralt draws his sword at Regis' throat, the vampire calmly tends to the injured bard. Geralt then reveals to the rest of the group that Regis is a vampire, leading to tension and uncertainty among the companions.
Regis eventually becomes a permanent member of what becomes known as "Geralt's Hansa" or simply "The Hansa" - a group of unlikely companions who join Geralt on his quest. This group, which will be featured in The Witcher Season 4, includes:
The group is also joined by a company of dwarves led by Zoltan Chivay (Danny Woodburn), including the notable gnome Percival Schuttenbach (Linden Porco).
As a Higher Vampire, Regis possesses extraordinary abilities that make him invaluable to Geralt's quest:
Laurence Fishburne's casting as Regis is a masterstroke that brings tremendous gravitas to the character. Fishburne, known for iconic roles in The Matrix and John Wick franchises, has extensive experience playing "world-wise" characters with depth and complexity.
In interviews, Fishburne has expressed genuine excitement about joining The Witcher universe: "I was just really excited to be a part of this world. I'm a big fan of fantasy and science fiction, and when they asked me to join them, I was like, 'Oh, this is interesting.' This is something I've always wished to be able to do, and now I'm getting an opportunity to do it."
Given Fishburne's track record and the character's complexity, viewers can expect:
Regis' arrival in The Witcher Season 4 signals a pivotal shift in Geralt's character development. According to showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, Regis' presence marks the beginning of Geralt's personal transformation.
The Witcher Season 4 picks up after the shocking events of Season 3, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri scattered across the war-ravaged Continent. Geralt, now played by Liam Hemsworth, begins the season more determined than ever to find Ciri and ensure her safety.
Based on the source material and filming reports, Regis will likely be introduced early in Season 4, with the iconic refugee camp scene serving as a major character moment that reveals his true nature to both Geralt and the audience.
Regis stands out among The Witcher characters for several reasons:
Filming for The Witcher Season 4 has provided fascinating insights into how Regis' story will be brought to life:
While Season 4 will focus on Regis' introduction and his early adventures with Geralt, the character's story has much more potential in future seasons:
Regis' introduction in Season 4 is significant for several reasons:
For fans wanting to dive deeper into Regis' character and The Witcher universe, here are valuable resources:
Regis is a Higher Vampire and barber-surgeon who becomes one of Geralt's most trusted allies. He's over 400 years old, extremely well-educated, and has sworn off drinking blood despite his supernatural nature.
Laurence Fishburne was cast as Regis due to his ability to portray complex, world-wise characters with depth and authority. His extensive experience in fantasy and science fiction makes him perfect for this role.
As a Higher Vampire, Regis possesses immortality, enhanced strength, regeneration, supernatural senses, invisibility, hypnotic gaze, shapeshifting, and flight abilities. However, he chooses not to use his powers for harmful purposes.
Regis meets Geralt when the witcher and his companions stumble upon Regis' cottage near an elven cemetery. After initial suspicion, Regis joins Geralt's group in their quest to find Ciri.
The refugee camp scene is pivotal because it's where Regis reveals his supernatural nature by handling a hot horseshoe without being burned, leading to his eventual acceptance into Geralt's group despite being a vampire.
While The Witcher series adapts the books, it takes creative liberties. Season 4 is expected to follow the general outline of "Baptism of Fire" but with its own unique interpretation and additions.
Regis represents redemption and the idea that supernatural beings aren't necessarily evil. His friendship with Geralt challenges the witcher's worldview and helps him grow beyond simple monster hunting.
Unlike most vampires, Regis doesn't prey on humans and has sworn off drinking blood. He's also highly intelligent and educated, using his knowledge to help others rather than his supernatural abilities to dominate them.
Laurence Fishburne's portrayal of Regis in The Witcher Season 4 promises to be one of the most compelling additions to the series. As a Higher Vampire who chooses compassion over predation, wisdom over violence, and friendship over solitude, Regis represents the complex moral shades that make The Witcher universe so rich and engaging.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the books and games or new to the world of The Witcher, Regis' introduction in Season 4 offers something special: a character who challenges our perceptions of good and evil while providing crucial support to Geralt in his most desperate quest yet. With Fishburne's talent and the character's rich backstory, Regis is poised to become a standout character in The Witcher's already impressive ensemble.
As Season 4 unfolds, viewers can expect to see not just the introduction of a new character, but the beginning of a transformative journey for Geralt himself - one where the line between monster and ally becomes beautifully blurred, and where the true meaning of friendship is tested against the backdrop of war and destiny.