The Rats: A Witcher Tale 2025 is a Netflix fantasy film that expands the Witcher universe by following the outlaw crew called the Rats before they meet Ciri.
It is a dark, character-driven heist story tied directly to the larger Witcherverse.
Netflix will release this spinoff film in 2025 as a prequel to the main Witcher story.
The movie explains how the Rats become connected to Ciri and explores a rougher, grittier corner of the world than the main saga.
What The Movie Is And How It Fits The Series
The film connects to the larger Netflix adaptation of The Witcher and helps bridge parts of the timeline around Ciri, Geralt, and the wider cast of outlaws and monsters.
It takes place near the era covered by The Witcher: Blood Origin and the main series, while telling its own story.
Is It A Movie, Special, Or Spinoff?
Netflix lists it as a TV movie-style spinoff.
IMDb lists it as The Rats: A Witcher Tale directed by Mairzee Almas.
Netflix released it as a stand-alone story alongside The Witcher Season 4, as noted by What’s on Netflix.
Where It Sits In The Netflix Timeline
The story takes place before the Rats cross paths with Ciri, making it a prequel to their relationship in the main saga.
It connects thematically to The Witcher: Blood Origin through the shared Netflix fantasy timeline, while focusing on a separate outlaw crew.
Why It Was Easy To Miss
Netflix released it quietly on the same day as The Witcher Season 4.
Many viewers saw it as an extra recommendation, which made it easy to overlook.
The film ties into the broader Witcher universe and features familiar names like Freya Allan and Lauren Schmidt Hissrich’s adaptation world.
Story Setup And Main Characters
The story builds around survival, loyalty, and one dangerous job.
A close-knit gang of young outlaws faces higher stakes when a veteran Witcher and a ruthless hunter enter the picture.
The Heist Premise And The Mercenaries Threat
The Rats plan a major robbery against a dangerous arena operation tied to Bert Brigden and the larger Brigden criminal world.
Monsters and mercenaries protect their target, so the job is about surviving the night more than stealing gold.
Who The Rats Are
The Rats are Mistle, Asse, Giselher, Kayleigh, Iskra, and Reef.
They form a found family shaped by war and violence.
Their bond gives the story its heart, while Juniper, Brehen, and the striga-shaped dangers around them deepen the stakes.
Brehen, Leo Bonhart, And The Ciri Connection
Brehen, a worn-down Witcher, joins the heist and becomes part protector and part tragic ally.
Leo Bonhart arrives and turns the danger personal, which matters because his shadow reaches into Ciri’s path and connects to her larger arc with Mistle and the Rats.
Cast, Creators, And Reception
The film features a younger ensemble, with a few standout veterans anchoring the danger and emotional weight.
Behind the camera, the Netflix fantasy team maintains the tone close to the rest of the Witcherverse.
Key Cast Members
Christelle Elwin, Ben Radcliffe, Fabian McCallum, Aggy K. Adams, Connor Crawford, and Juliette Alexandra play the Rats.
Dolph Lundgren plays Brehen.
Ben Robson appears as Bert Brigden, Sharlto Copley plays Leo Bonhart, and Freya Allan appears as Ciri.
Who Made The Film
Mairzee Almas directs the movie, bringing the same polished, dark-fantasy feel that viewers expect from Netflix’s Witcher projects.
The production team connects with Lauren Schmidt Hissrich’s adaptation group, keeping the tone consistent with The Witcher and related spinoffs.
Reviews And Popcornmeter Reaction
Early reviews ranged from mixed to positive. Critics praised the heist energy, creature work, and ensemble chemistry.
Audience response on the Popcornmeter depended on how much viewers already cared about the Rats or the wider fantasy lore. Some viewers preferred a smaller, rougher Witcher story instead of one focused on Geralt.
