Based on a series of video games and books, The Witcher has proved a highly successful show for the Netflix catalogue and has already been greenlit for a fourth series. However, it won’t be the usual Geralt that we see on screen as Liam Hemsworth is set to take over the mantle from Henry Cavill. Hemsworth, perhaps best known for his role as Gale in The Hunger Games franchise, has expressed his excitement at taking over the part, saying that “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… allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure.”
one thing that is clear is the actor’s love and commitment to the role even to his final moments as the character
Many had speculated that it was Cavill’s commitment to DC and the Superman character that had taken him away from the fantasy world, as Superman is set to return to the big screen. Yet, it has been reported that Cavill and The Witcher’s producers had been clashing over the character and faithfulness to the source material recently. There has been some speculation that this is the true reason for Cavill’s exit, but one thing that is clear is the actor’s love and commitment to the role even to his final moments as the character. In part of his announcement, Cavil stated “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.”
It will certainly be strange seeing Hemsworth taking on the role, as there is no doubt that the role comes with big shoes to fill. Perhaps as there are only two series out, and another set to screen next summer, it will be easier to adapt to a new Geralt. But Cavill significantly contributed to the world-building of the series and his take on the character was commanding and dignified, if a little monosyllabic in some of the dialogue.
Hemsworth will have a difficult challenge in maintaining the character that Cavill so carefully crafted
Moreover, Cavill lends the character a kind of stoic charm that also manifests into physical menace. The world that Geralt is introduced into is morally bankrupt but enjoyably bleak, rich in gore and challenging themes. But this world only thrives when its main character fits into it and more specifically, the lead actor portrays the nuance of it. This is why the mentor relationship between Geralt and Freya Allan’s Cirilla works so well in the second series, with Cavill tapping into the soulful side of the character. So it is clear that Hemsworth will have a difficult challenge in maintaining the character that Cavill so carefully crafted. It is uncertain how the show will fare now it has lost its original leading man, but the world of The Witcher is enduring and this new casting could bring some interesting turns.