In the words of Geralt of Rivia, “F***.” In a truly stunning development, Netflix has announced Henry Cavill is leaving The Witcher after season three. The show isn’t ending with his departure, though. The Hunger Games‘ Liam Hemsworth will replace Cavill as the White Wolf on The Witcher. Netflix also officially confirmed season four of the show with its announcement that Liam Hemsworth will take the helm.
Just a week after formally returning to the role of Superman in Black Adam, Henry Cavill is saying goodbye to another famous role. The avowed fan of The Witcher, Cavill, who once begged Netflix for the part, will not return as Geralt when The Witcher does in season four. The upcoming third season will be his last. This news of Cavill’s departure from The Witcher comes despite his previously stated commitment to doing seven seasons.
“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” said Cavill in a statement about his departure from The Witcher. “In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. 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. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
While the news of Cavill’s Witcher recast is certainly surprising, all of the speculation on social media that has followed is not. Fans want to know why this happened. Without an official answer, The Witcher fans are trying to make sense of the recasting news. Some have said Cavill has simply decided to focus on making movies. (And his return to the character of Superman could mean he has no time for a TV series.) Others think it’s an issue of money. And some believe fundamental disagreements with the show’s direction and depiction of Geralt led to his departure. Whatever the cause, Cavill is out on The Witcher, and Liam Hemsworth is in, and he has a mighty white wig to fill. But while Hemsworth knows that, he sounds excited for the challenge of playing Geralt. You can take your first look at Hemsworth in the role, below.
“As a Witcher fan, I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia,” said Hemsworth. “Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honored that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”
As huge fans of the The Witcher, Cavill, and his portrayal of Geralt, this is obviously disappointing news. But we’re still going to give Hemsworth a chance. The Witcher is a great show. We want it to succeed and continue entertaining us. And besides, the Continent still has plenty of monsters running around. Someone needs to fight them.
Originally published on October 31, 2022.
Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Twitter at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.