Big changes are coming to The Witcher. While season 3 has been filmed and is on its way to a Netflix arrival in 2023, the new episodes will mark a final bow for Henry Cavill in the role of Geralt of Rivia. Last week, Netflix announced that The Witcher had been renewed for season 4, but with the renewal comes the news that Cavill has parted ways with the series. Replacing him in the role of Geralt for season 4 will be Liam Hemsworth, a move that has had many fans pleading for Cavill to be brought back.
In any case, the current plan is for Hemsworth to be our new Geralt after fans check out one last season with Cavill as the character. But it would seem that Hemsworth was not someone who was recently approached for the role in the wake of Cavill's exit. According to a new report by Redanian Intelligence, Hemsworth had first auditioned for the role back in 2018 before Cavill had been cast. He was considered to be a frontrunner for the part, per the report, until Cavill wound up sealing the deal with his casting. That made it easier for the show's producers to recast the role when it came time to find a new Geralt, as the auditions had already taken place.
"As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," Hemsworth posted on Instagram after his casting was announced. "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."
Knowing that it would be a challenge to have fans accept him as the new Geralt, Hemsworth added, "I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”
Will Fans Accept a New Geralt?
It's very seldom when casting changes for major characters for major characters are embraced by any show's fans. Of course, The Witcher is no exception. Social media was quick to blow up after the news was announced that Cavill was finished with the show. A petition was also launched calling for Cavill to return to the role of Geralt for season 4, and in a matter of days, it's already flown past 100,000 signatures. While there are some who are optimistic and willing to give Hemsworth a chance, it seems that the majority of the fans are very unhappy about the casting change.
Petitions are also something that don't often work when it comes to changing minds in show business, but in this case, it will let Netflix know that they might have a problem when The Witcher debuts its fourth season in 2024.