For three seasons, Henry Cavill starred as the titular character in Netflix's The Witcher, based on a beloved book series of the same that has inspired countless adaptations over the years. In the upcoming fourth season, Liam Hemsworth will step into Cavill's role of Geralt of Rivia, which has sparked some polarizing reactions among fans.
On May 22, Netflix shared a first look at the forthcoming season with Hemsworth in Geralt's signature long gray hair. The clip shows Hemsworth walking along a rocky path with his horse while carrying a sword on his back. As he turns to look at the camera, the show's logo takes over the screen.
The journey continues. Here's your first look at Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher. pic.twitter.com/KK5veTMmN0
— Netflix (@netflix) May 22, 2024
The preview isn't going over well with all Witcher fans, however. Following the reveal on social media, many people commented expressing their dismay at Cavill's replacement.
"There is only one Geralt of Rivia, and his name is Henry Cavill," one person wrote.
There is only one Geralt of Rivia, and his name is Henry Cavill. pic.twitter.com/1XX1DUCFlF
— The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) May 22, 2024
"Henry Cavill is my only Geralt," another commented.
Henry Cavill is my only Geralt.
— Kast2 (@Kast2_) May 22, 2024
"Not sure how I feel about this. Henry Cavill was perfect for the role," one person echoed.
Not sure how I feel about this. Henry Cavill was perfect for the role.
— Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) May 22, 2024
Others expressed unease about Hemsworth taking on the role but kept an open mind. "Henry Cavill really nailed the role, so it’s gonna be weird seeing someone else as Geralt. But I guess we’ll have to wait and see how Liam does. Hope he brings his own twist to the character," one person said.
Henry Cavill really nailed the role, so it’s gonna be weird seeing someone else as Geralt. But I guess we’ll have to wait and see how Liam does. Hope he brings his own twist to the character
— Natalie May (@babenataliemay) May 22, 2024
The exact reason for Cavill's departure remains unclear, but the British actor has been a longtime fan of the original book series. When the show was first announced, Cavill campaigned for the role, and during his run on the show, he pushed for the writing to fall more in line with the books' narrative.
"It’s important for me to have the character be three-dimensional," Cavill told The Philippine Star in 2021. "And it’s tricky to do, as I was saying earlier, because there’s a certain vision and there’s a certain set storyline and plot. And so, it was about me trying to find Geralt’s place within that. All of my asks and requests were along the lines of just being faithful to the source material."
It's also entirely possible that Cavill's filming schedule simply didn't align with season 4 of The Witcher's as he's juggled parts in recent years in movies like Black Adam, Enola Holmes 2, and Argylle. But he holds no resentment for the new Geralt, and in fact gave him his blessing when he announced in 2022 that he wouldn't be returning to the role.
"As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men," he wrote in an Instagram post. "Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him. Enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find."
Regardless of how some fans may feel about Hemsworth's casting, he won't be in the role for too long, as the show is set to end with its fifth season.
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