In a surprising casting decision, Netflix have elected to recast The Hunger Games‘ Liam Hemsworth in the role of Geralt of Rivia, as Henry Cavill steps down from The Witcher‘s fourth season. The move comes ahead of the series’ third season, which is set to return in summer 2023.
Cavill, who was recently revealed to be returning to the role of Superman for the DCEU, played the monster-hunting Geralt of Rivia in the first three seasons of the popular fantasy show.
According to sources, Cavill had made a short-term deal for The Witcher and felt it was time to exit the series, which films overseas and has a demanding, lengthy production schedule. The actor already has a full slate of film and TV projects lined up, including the recently-announced The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare, in addition to his DCEU return.
Cavill 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.”
Liam Hemsworth added, “As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia. 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. 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.”
It’s unclear how the series will explain the recast, especially considering Hemsworth looks much younger than Cavill.
The Witcher season 3 will return in summer 2023, while a four-part prequel series, The Witcher: Blood Origin releases December 25th, 2022.
