Netflix has found a great deal of success with its fantasy seriesThe Witcher, based on the works of Andrzej Sapkowski and taking some aesthetic inspiration from the CD Projekt Red video game series. Henry Cavill’s role as Geralt of Rivia is one of the big reasons whyThe Witcherhas proven to be so popular with Netflix’s audience, but in a shocking turn of events, it’s been announced that Cavill will not be returning for Season 4.
The Witcherhas premiered two seasons on Netflix so far, with spin-offs and other media released to support the main series.The Witcher: Blood Originspin-off is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 25, whileThe WitcherSeason 3, the last one with Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, will air at some point in summer 2023. WithThe WitcherSeason 3 almost a year away from release, it will likely be 2024 or later beforeThe WitcherSeason 4 rolls around.
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WheneverThe WitcherSeason 4 premieres, it will do so with Liam Hemsworth as the newGeralt of Rivia. The younger brother of Marvel Cinematic Universe Thor star Chris Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth is perhaps known for his role as Gale inThe Hunger Gamesfilm franchise. It remains to be seen how fans will react to this huge change to the show, but in the meantime, stars Liam Hemsworth and Henry Cavill have issued statements on the matter.
Liam Hemsworth issued his statement on Instagram whileHenry Cavill, in a statement to Netflix, said: “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. 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.”
Cavill has been hugely passionate about playing Geralt of Rivia inThe WitcherNetflix series, so it’s unclear why he is leaving the role behind. It’s possible that Cavill was only signed on to play the character for three seasons and an agreement couldn’t be reached for him to return for more beyond that. It’s also possible that Cavill wants to step away from the role of Geralt to focus on other projects.Cavill is making his big return to the DCEU, so perhaps that played a role in the decision, though that’s just speculation at this time.
Witcherfans may be sad to see Cavill leave the role of Geralt of Rivia behind, but it will be interesting to see what Liam Hemsworth does with the character. It will likely be years before fans find out, and in the meantime, they can look forward toThe Witcher: Blood Originspin-offlater this year andThe WitcherSeason 3 with Henry Cavill next summer.
