The Witcher has become a standout hit in the streaming landscape with its clever blend of swordplay and magical elements, coupled with character-driven narratives. In the pantheon of characters transposed from literary origins to the show, a select few stood head and shoulders above the rest. This includes Jodhi May, who brought the ferocious yet tragic Queen Calanthe to life during the show. Achieving the stature Calanthe did requires breaking a few necks along the way, and Jodhi May depicted it tastefully. 

Here is why even half a decade after her departure from The Witcher, Jodhi May remains a standout on the show. 

How did Jodhi May stand out among the rest of The Witcher cast? 

Jodhi May’s rendition of Calanthe was the crown jewel in the Cintrian tale. The actress who was already a familiar face before The Witcher, did not just deliver a convincing performance but her powerful presence captured attention whenever she appeared on screen. One could actually see glimpses of the game Ciri in her character. It was refreshing to witness a queen depicted as a fighter for her country, diverging from the usual clichés. 

Jodhi May skillfully portrayed all the warrior-like qualities in Calanthe. However, her character was often called barbaric, a label the queen did not quite fit into. She was just a powerful warrior who did not concern herself with any nonsense or decorum. Despite some feeling that May’s portrayal was a bit too crass and impulsive compared to the book’s Calanthe, she still left a lasting impression in The Witcher. However, The Witcher was not her first swing at the medieval fantasy.

Even before the Lauren Hissrich show, Jodhi May was part of a fantasy franchise that has long been compared to The Witcher series.

Jodhi May’s small but memorable role in award-winning fantasy series 

May stepped into a minor yet crucial role in a series that undoubtedly played a part in paving the path for the creation of The Witcher– the HBO fantasy sensation, Game of Thrones. Even though May’s spotlight moment lasted for a single episode, her portrayal of the fortune-telling witch, Maggy, had a big impact on one of the main characters’ stories. In a season heavy on setup but light on resolution, many still consider May’s first appearance to be one of the best moments. 

Jodhi May’s portrayal of Maggy the Frog peeled back the layers of Cersei’s backstory, sparking numerous theories about Cersei’s fate. Despite appearing as a regular hermit at first, Maggy’s prophecies were eerily foreboding. Maggy the Frog showcased how even ordinary magic could be frightening, and in The Witcher, May brought the same power to life with a 59-year-old monarch.

What do you think about Jodhi May’s role in The Witcher? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!