The highly successful Russian crime thriller, Fisher, known for its intricate plots and stellar cast, is setting sail into uncharted waters. With two critically acclaimed seasons already under its belt, the series is officially greenlit for a third and fourth installment, promising a dramatic shift in its narrative focus and creative direction.
From Real-Life Horrors to Fictionalized Fears: The Journey So Far
Launched in February 2023, the inaugural season of Fisher captivated audiences with its chilling premise. It delved into the terrifying real-life events surrounding a serial killer, dubbed “Fisher” (a chilling nod to the infamous Sergey Golovkin), who terrorized teenagers in the Moscow region during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The series centered on the relentless investigator Evgeny Bokov, portrayed by the formidable Ivan Yankovsky, as he grappled with both the heinous crimes and his own personal demons. This blend of gripping procedural drama and psychological depth quickly cemented Fisher as a standout project on the Wink platform, lauded for its unique “southern gothic” atmosphere.
Season two, titled “Eclipse,” broadened the series` scope. Shifting to a new resort town, it introduced a new serial killer. While officially fictional, the terrifying actions of this new antagonist, according to fan theories, echoed real-life cases like that of the “Kuban Strangler,” Levan Aroyan. While Yankovsky`s Bokov remained central, the cast expanded to include new talents such as Irina Starshenbaum and Alexandra Rebenok, further enriching the ensemble. This season continued to explore the complex inner lives of its characters, exposing their fears, weaknesses, and intricate relationships amidst the escalating tension of the new investigation.
A Creative Departure: New Minds Behind the Mystery
Perhaps the most significant development for the future of Fisher came with the departure of its original showrunners, Natalia Kapustina and Sergey Kalvarsky, following the conclusion of the second season. In a candid statement, they expressed a sense of having “said all they could,” gracefully stepping aside to allow new voices to shape the series. They even extended a rather sporting “thank you” to their critics, suggesting the adversity only strengthened their resolve. This move, while unexpected, signals a bold new direction for the franchise.
“Separate thanks to those who criticized and hindered, to those who did not believe in us – you made us stronger. Bokov will forever remain our firstborn, and we will love him, no matter what happens to him later […] It`s time to leave, and that moment has come. We have said all we could. The further fate of this project is no longer in our hands.”
“After Fisher. Inquisitor”: A Fresh Case, New Faces, and an Evolving Legacy
With the original “Fisher” storyline deemed largely concluded by the second season, the focus for the upcoming installments will decisively shift. Wink has officially commenced production on **Season 3, titled “After Fisher. Inquisitor.”** This title alone suggests a deliberate move beyond the shadow of the original killer, hinting at new antagonists and perhaps even a different style of investigation.
Intriguingly, while much of Fisher`s initial success was tied to Ivan Yankovsky`s portrayal of the charismatic Bokov, casting announcements for Season 3 signal a significant change at the forefront. Yulia Snigir and Polina Gukhman are slated to take on the main roles, raising immediate questions about Bokov`s involvement – or lack thereof – in this new chapter. Will he appear in a supporting role, or will the series embrace an anthology-like structure, allowing for completely new protagonists to lead the charge? It`s a bold gamble that speaks volumes about the creative team`s vision.
The third season will be helmed by a new creative team, with Olga Frenkel (known for “Insomnia”) directing, Levan Kapanadze (“Last Quest”) as the director of photography, and Tatyana Artseulova (“The Scythe”) penning the script. Production duties fall to Keystone Production, with support from NMG Studio.
The Altai Mystery: What to Expect from Season 3`s Plot
The plot for “After Fisher. Inquisitor” promises a compelling new mystery. Set in a small Altai town on the edge of the taiga, the discovery of a local official`s daughter`s body quickly links to an unsolved series of crimes attributed to a notorious Barnaul maniac. The investigation will be led by local operative Belova and investigator Terekhov from Barnaul. Intriguingly, all clues seem to converge on a mysterious “Mowgli girl” who grew up in the wilderness. This setup offers a fresh blend of remote, atmospheric dread and a unique character dynamic, moving away from the metropolitan horrors of the first season.
Anticipating the Future: Release Windows for Seasons 3 and 4
As production for Season 3 is now underway, eager fans can realistically anticipate its release sometime in **2026-2027**. While details for Season 4 remain scarce, it`s highly probable that it will follow relatively quickly, perhaps in **2027-2028**, maintaining the momentum of the evolving Fisher universe. Specific episode release schedules and trailers are yet to be unveiled, leaving fans in suspense but with much to look forward to.
The journey of Fisher is a testament to the dynamic nature of storytelling. From its grim beginnings rooted in real-life horror to its current transformation into a broader narrative exploring new mysteries with new voices, the series continues to evolve. Whether audiences will follow these new investigators as fervently as they did Bokov remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the hunt for justice, however dark and winding, continues, and with it, Russia`s acclaimed crime thriller series.
Wesley Dunham