It's not often that a show as big as Netflix's The Witcher recasts its main character, but here we are. After playing the titular characters for 3 seasons, Henry Cavill ultimately stepped down from the role, reportedly due to creative differences and scheduling conflicts. This brings us to season 4, which introduces fans to Liam Hemsworth as our new Geralt.
The Witcher fans are understandably apprehensive about the arrival of Hemsworth. Cavill had done such a brilliant and commendable job; it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role. But now that the show is in this situation, the team ardently believes that Hemsworth is the best possible recast. In fact, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich sought out Hemsworth as soon as Cavill had made up his mind to depart the series.
“When we were looking at who potentially could fill the shoes of Geralt, there is a physicality that has to be present,” Hissrich told IGN. “You need someone who you can imagine can excel at these action scenes, who has such a physical presence that they could be both intimidating in the story, but also, Geralt has a huge emotional side as well. What I really loved about Liam's work that I had seen is that he was able to organically blend those two things."
"He was able to really carry this specific, I guess I call it soul. He has a soul that he brings into the role… To have that present even through action scenes when he's fighting monsters, and it's the same thing that's present when he's having conversations with Ciri or with Yennefer, that was a really special thing that we were able to capture. And when I had watched some of his work, specifically going back to Hunger Games, that's something that I felt from him."
Hemsworth is tasked with portraying Geralt in the character's most tenuous state yet. Still recovering from his fierce battle with Vilgefortz of Roggeveen, he finds himself separated from both Yennefer and Ciri, out on the road with a ragtag group of rogues, including Jaskier, Milva, and a mysterious barber-surgeon named Regis. It's this stage in Geralt's journey that really spurred Hemsworth into taking the role. “I thought it would be a really great opportunity to dig into this very complex character that, particularly in this part of the story, is dealing with so much,” the actor said. “He's not used to being in a place of doubt and struggle and fear.”
How will Liam Hemsworth fare as Geralt of Rivia? We'll find out when season 4 premieres on October 30. In the meantime, give us all your opinions!