Liam Hemsworth is set to take over as Geralt of Rivia in the upcoming fourth season of Netflix’s The Witcher, following Henry Cavill‘s departure. Ahead of the season’s release on October 30th, Hemsworth shared his initial hesitation about stepping into a role so closely associated with Cavill, revealing his cautious approach to the famous character.
Concerns About Joining an Established Fanbase
Hemsworth admitted to RadioTimes.com that he was hesitant when first approached for the role, stating,
“When I first got approached, I was pretty reluctant at that point. [I had] a lot of concerns and questions about it all. I was a big fan of the video game and then I watched the series, and was a fan of the series, and I read the books.”
He was mindful of joining a series already beloved by a passionate audience.
Reflecting on those worries, he explained,
“Just the situation [of] coming into a series that’s already established a really passionate fanbase. I appreciate these fans, and I appreciate the fact that they care so much about it.”
Despite his reservations, Hemsworth’s connection to the story and character motivated him to accept the challenge.
He further added,
“I think if I wasn’t a fan myself, if I didn’t care about it, I wouldn’t have come on board. The reason I came on board was because I was a fan, and because I thought that I could do justice to this character. I thought that could bring an interesting interpretation to this part of the story.”
Exploring Geralt’s Emotional Journey
Hemsworth described what attracted him most to the character at this point in the story, saying,
“I think what excited me the most was where Geralt is at this part of the story – his emotional state, and where he’s heading. I think he’s in a very real place of change and a place that I don’t think he’s been in often in his life. There’s a lot of doubt and confusion and worry.”
He emphasized Geralt’s vulnerability, noting,
“He’s actually in a place where, not only does he have to overcome his own stuff, but it’s through opening up and realising that he’s not going to be able to do this on his own, and he needs to accept that he’s vulnerable right now, that he’s not strong enough to do what he needs to do.”
“It’s through these other people around him that he sees how much love and care and how much they believe in his journey and his mission right now, that he’s able to lean on them and accept that help and he’s really able to push forward and find himself again and find a new version of himself,”
Hemsworth added, highlighting the character’s evolving depth.
Showrunner Emphasizes Importance of Maintaining Geralt’s Essence
Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich, the showrunner for The Witcher, addressed the challenges of recasting such an iconic role. She explained that certain elements defining Geralt had to remain consistent, saying,
“We knew there were things that were really important to keep with Geralt – obviously, his look has to stay the same.”
She described those signature traits:
“The white wig and the yellow eyes and the black leather and not wearing any colour, and the way he walks through the world.”
However, Schmidt-Hissrich noted it was vital for Hemsworth to bring his own take on Geralt, explaining,
“Those things had to stay, but really, those conversations were so driven by Liam the first time that we met. He needed to make Geralt his, and it was really important to let him do that and let him explore it and find it.”
Henry Cavill’s Departure and Fan Reactions
Henry Cavill stepped down from the role of Geralt in 2022 and conveyed his support for Hemsworth as his successor. As the new season approaches, fans have been shown previews of Hemsworth’s Geralt, though full impressions will come only with the season’s release later this month. Anticipation is high to see how the actor will inhabit the White Wolf’s persona going forward.
Anticipation Builds for Season 4 Release
The Witcher’s fourth season will premiere on Netflix on October 30th, providing fans a chance to witness Hemsworth’s interpretation firsthand. The transition between actors marks a significant shift, with many eager to see how the story and character development will unfold under Hemsworth’s portrayal. As the premiere date nears, excitement and cautious curiosity surround the series’ future.
