Season 3 of The Witcher is currently set to premiere on Netflix next summer, and the streaming service has just confirmed that the series will return for a fourth season. Great news, eh? Here's where things take an unexpected turn, though. Lead star Henry Cavill will step down from the role of Geralt of Rivia, passing the mantle to The Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth!
"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 said in a statement (via SFFGazette.com) confirming his departure from a show we know was a passion project for the actor (and gamer). "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 has also commented on the news, sharing his excitement to pick up where Cavill left off. "As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," the actor enthuses. "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."
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s best-selling book series, the show follows Geralt as he travels the Continent fighting anything and everything that goes bump in the night, from ghouls to bruxas and more. Along the way, he forms an unlikely family with the powerful sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Cintran princess Ciri (Freya Allan) as they evade the mages, monarchs and monsters who seek to capture Ciri.
Liam, who is the younger brother of Thor actor Chris Hemsworth, has plenty of impressive credits to his name. Among them are The Hunger Games franchise, Independence Day: Resurgence, and The Last Song.
As for Cavill, it's interesting that there's no mention of why he's leaving here. It's possible shooting the series is taking up too much of his time, and with a Superman return now beckoning, the Man of Steel may be a bigger priority for the actor than the monster hunting Geralt.
The Witcher: Blood Origin premieres on December 25, while The Witcher Season 3 will follow shortly after in summer 2023.