Netflix has shut down filming on the second season of its fantasy drama series, The Witcher, with Henry Cavill, as cases of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus pandemic continues to spread globally.
The production shutdown of The Witcher, filmed at Arborfield Studios outside London, is the first TV series filming in the United Kingdom that is shuttering with Henry Cavill in the role of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia.
Netflix already shut down all of its productions in the United States and Canada last week.
Production staff and crew were told in an email that The Witcher is shutting down for at least 2 weeks.
"The coronavirus has raised challenging issues for everyone working on-set on productions for Netflix. We are very grateful for all the work everyone has done to keep cast and crew safe during this pandemic."
"Cast and crew health is our primary concern. We are dealing with an unprecedented global pandemic that is beyond our control, and in many instances with mandates or restrictions imposed by governments (including travel restrictions in many countries)."
"As such, we have made the decision, effective immediately, to pause production for two weeks during this difficult time, and we will support our production partners working on Netflix UK scripted series in doing the same."
"This will allow everyone the time to make informed decisions about how to move forward."
Meanwhile the BBC also announced that production has been shut down with production delays on the new seasons of Peaky Blinders seen in South Africa on BBC First (DStv 119) as well as Line of Duty seen in South Africa on ITV Choice (DStv 123) currently filming in the United Kingdom.
Production started in February on the latest season of Line of Duty in Northern Ireland.
"In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, the producers Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions of Peaky Blinders season 6 have postponed filming, and World Productions on Line of Duty season 6 have suspended filming, both in consultation with and supported by the BBC."
"We will continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organization and Public Health England."The BBC didn't specify for how long Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty will be out of production.
John McVay, the chief executive of the United Kingdom's Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), that country's industry body representing production companies, says that "With so many shows not being able to be delivered later this year and into next year there will be holes in TV schedules and that probably means a lot of repeats".
