Netflix unveiled the full trailer for the fourth season of The Witcher earlier this week, coinciding with a Tudum interview that revealed an intriguing detail since removed from the original article. The show’s third season marked the final appearance of Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, with the actor announcing his departure in 2022. However, new information suggests that Netflix may have approached Liam Hemsworth to replace Cavill as Geralt much earlier, possibly as far back as 2020. This timing raises questions about the circumstances behind Cavill’s exit and the transition in casting for the fantasy series.
Behind the Scenes: Liam Hemsworth’s Involvement
Shortly after Cavill’s exit became public, news surfaced that Liam Hemsworth, known for The Hunger Games and Lonely Planet, would take on the role of Geralt. A detail originally included in the Tudum article indicated Hemsworth’s involvement began with a phone call in 2020 while he was at his home in Australia. Hemsworth commented on his initial feelings about joining the series, stating,
“Initially, I was pretty hesitant and unsure.”
He also added,
“It’s an odd thing to be asked to come in midway through a series like this and continue on as the lead character. But, as a fan of the video game, I felt like I could do something cool with it.”
Questions Surrounding the Timing and Reason for Cavill’s Departure
The article was subsequently revised to say that Hemsworth’s discussions started in 2022, but fans suspect this correction may have been an attempt to downplay earlier plans to replace Cavill. Speculation has circulated that Cavill’s decision to leave was influenced by dissatisfaction with the show’s creative direction, particularly his desire for the series to remain closer to the original books. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich addressed Cavill’s departure in a recent interview, saying,
“He had plans for other roles that he really wanted to commit himself to. And for us, you don’t want to hold someone and force them to be doing something that they don’t want to do. I think that’s why it felt like a really symbiotic decision.”
She further emphasized the show’s longevity beyond any single actor:
“We never really had serious conversations about the show not continuing. The show is bigger than one actor. It’s bigger than me. There’s a book series, there’s a video game. We are the third entry into this. So ‘The Witcher’ lives whether or not we go.”
Season Four’s Storyline and Returning Cast Members
The upcoming fourth season of The Witcher explores the journey of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri as they face separation caused by a brutal war and numerous adversaries. Despite their diverging paths, unexpected allies emerge, offering new dynamics that might help them reunite in the end if they can embrace these newfound connections. The ensemble cast includes Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Princess Cirilla of Cintra, Joey Batey playing Jaskier, as well as Laurence Fishburne portraying Regis, Meng’er Zhang as Milva, Sharlto Copley as Leo Bonhart, and James Purefoy as Skellen.
Implications for The Witcher’s Future on Netflix
The unfolding events around casting changes highlight ongoing tensions behind the scenes, affecting both fans and the production team. The early approach to Liam Hemsworth suggests potential uncertainty within Netflix about the series’ direction as early as 2020, well before Cavill publicly stepped away. Despite these challenges, the showrunner remains confident in the franchise’s strength across multiple media. With season four set to premiere on October 30, Netflix’s adaptation will continue to develop, poised to balance fan expectations and creative evolution in the world of The Witcher.
2020????? pic.twitter.com/l4VTVHAydf
— maja (@perseruna) October 7, 2025
