Ahead of the third season of Netflix’s hit series The Witcher, which is scheduled to premiere in summer 2023, the streaming giant has announced a major casting change.
Henry Cavill, who has starred as the titular Geralt of Rivia, will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth in Season 4. Cavill took to Instagram on Saturday to address the news.
“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,” Cavill wrote. “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.”
Hemsworth, who’s perhaps best known for playing Gale in the Hunger Games franchise, also hopped on social media Saturday to share his thoughts on the move.
“As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia,” he said. “Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured 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.”
Hemsworth added, “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.”