Following Henry Cavill’s departure, Liam Hemsworth has taken over the role of Geralt of Rivia for Netflix’s The Witcher season 4, continuing through the planned five-season series. Originally created by Andrzej Sapkowski in his book series, The Witcher has expanded into video games, animated adaptations, and the live-action Netflix show, presenting Geralt in various interpretations. Cavill was the first to portray Geralt in the U.S. live-action format but has stepped away after season 3, making way for Hemsworth to continue the character’s journey.
Details Surrounding Henry Cavill’s Exit Before Season 3
Henry Cavill revealed his decision to leave The Witcher in October 2022, amid preparations for the release of season 3’s first half in June 2023. He used social media to share his gratitude for the opportunity to embody Geralt of Rivia and confirmed that Liam Hemsworth would succeed him in the role.
“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 four. 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.” – Henry Cavill, Actor
Cavill’s announcement came almost a year after season 2 debuted, which, despite criticism from some viewers, was met with praise from critics.
Understanding Why Henry Cavill Departed from The Witcher
Many have speculated on the reasons behind Cavill’s exit, though the actor himself has not explicitly explained his choice. However, showrunner Lauren Hissrich described the decision as mutual, pointing out that Cavill had plans for other roles that he really wanted to commit himself to. She emphasized that she didn’t want to restrict him, saying she did not want to hold someone and force them to be doing something that they don’t want to do.
Shortly before announcing his exit from The Witcher, Cavill shared that he would be returning as Superman in the DC Universe. However, this return was halted when DC Studios underwent leadership changes and recast the superhero role with David Corenswet. With that path closed, Cavill shifted his focus to new projects, including Warhammer and Highlander adaptations.
Liam Hemsworth Steps Into Geralt’s Boots for Upcoming Seasons
Liam Hemsworth officially replaced Cavill as Geralt of Rivia for seasons 4 and 5. Hemsworth is an established Hollywood figure, famous for his role as Gale Hawthorne across The Hunger Games franchise. His career also includes a variety of action and thriller roles, as well as romantic films, showcasing a diverse skill set that Netflix hopes will bring a fresh dynamic to Geralt.
Before joining The Witcher, Hemsworth appeared in:
- The Hunger Games (2012–2015): Played Gale Hawthorne
- The Duel (2016): Portrayed David Kingston
- Killerman (2019): Role unspecified
- Most Dangerous Game (2020): Played Dodge Maynard
- Poker Face (2022): Portrayed Michael Nankervis
- Land of Bad (2024): Cast as Kinney
- Lonely Planet (2024): Played Owen Brophy
Henry Cavill’s Ventures Following His Witcher Departure
After exiting The Witcher, Cavill quickly began working on new projects despite his Superman return being shelved. In 2024, he took leading roles in the films Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Future titles on his slate include In the Grey, Voltron, and Enola Holmes 3.
In addition to these, Cavill has committed to major franchises linked to his personal interests. A passionate fan of Warhammer, he is collaborating with Prime Video to develop a Warhammer 40,000 television series. He is also set to star in a reboot of the Highlander film, produced by Lionsgate, signaling his ongoing engagement with high-profile adaptations.
Other Portrayals of Geralt Within Netflix’s Witcher Universe
While Henry Cavill and Liam Hemsworth are expected to be the primary actors for the adult Geralt in the live-action Netflix series, the character has seen other incarnations within the franchise. Tristan Ruggeri played a younger version of Geralt, adding depth to the character’s timeline. Furthermore, the animated Netflix film The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep features Doug Cockle voicing Geralt.
Doug Cockle’s connection to Geralt runs deep, as he is widely recognized for voicing the character in the Witcher video games. Although Cockle’s voice does not lend itself to a physical portrayal, it helped shape Cavill’s interpretation. Now, Liam Hemsworth will continue building on this foundation in the live-action series.
