The fourth season of The Witcher marks a pivotal moment for the Netflix fantasy series, as Henry Cavill’s departure has undeniably altered the show‘s dynamic. Released in 2024 and set across the Continent, the season wrestles with the challenge of continuing without its original lead, while trying to maintain the narrative momentum and fan engagement the series once enjoyed.
Although Cavill’s exit contributes to some concerns surrounding season 4, it is not solely responsible for the show’s uneven qualities. Issues with storytelling were evident by the end of season 3, and this season’s failures largely stem from pacing and character development rather than casting changes alone. Still, the season delivers enough action and intrigue to keep audiences invested despite these hurdles.
Evaluating Liam Hemsworth’s Portrayal as Geralt of Rivia
Liam Hemsworth took on the role of Geralt following Cavill’s departure, a shift that initially appeared challenging for longtime viewers. The transition was awkwardly addressed with flashback scenes recreating memorable moments from earlier seasons, but now featuring Hemsworth. These sequences, intended to ease audiences into the recasting, instead interrupted the emotional flow, highlighting the absence of Cavill’s iconic portrayal.
Once established in the season, however, Hemsworth’s Geralt proved more compelling than anticipated. He brings a physical presence and charm to the role while telling the most engaging story among the season’s main characters. Unlike Cavill’s stoic and reserved interpretation, Hemsworth’s Geralt expresses more emotion and shows a somewhat different energy.
Although Hemsworth lacks Cavill’s sharp comedic timing that subtly enlivened the character with dry wit, he maintains Geralt’s characteristic gruffness and ruggedness. The return of intense and inventive action sequences suits Hemsworth’s strengths, providing some of the season’s best moments. Despite some differences in style, Hemsworth offers a credible and energetic Geralt to lead the series forward.
Strengths and Weaknesses in Season 4’s Storytelling
Beyond Geralt’s arc, The Witcher’s success has long relied on the trio of Geralt, Yennefer (played by Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (played by Freya Allan). Season 4, however, struggles particularly with Ciri’s storyline involving the Rats, a subplot that feels slow and disconnected, undermining the narrative’s urgency and making it difficult to relate to her journey.
This supporting group’s characters lack vibrancy, and their segments often slow the pace. In contrast, Yennefer’s storyline is stronger, focusing on her efforts to assemble an army to challenge Vilgefortz, an arc that provides some of the most compelling developments and showcases her growth as a character over multiple seasons.
The show works best when the core trio shares scenes together, maintaining chemistry that has driven much of the series’ appeal so far. The season culminates in a reunification of Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer, building toward a finale packed with tension and action. This reunion is a vital moment that revives some of the series’ original spirit and leaves hope for more cooperative scenes in future episodes.
Continuing the Legacy of The Witcher on Netflix
Since its 2019 debut, The Witcher has captivated audiences by exploring a complex world where the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs. The fourth season, while affected by casting changes and some uneven storytelling, manages to reintroduce the show’s trademark action and fantasy elements that fans expect.
Henry Cavill’s exit changed the series’ course, but Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of Geralt, coupled with Anya Chalotra’s evolving Yennefer, ensures that the story remains alive and engaging. Challenges remain, particularly in harmonizing the trio’s individual plots and sustaining the series’ earlier quality, yet the season’s action-packed finale offers a promising direction.
Looking ahead, viewers will hope that season 5 capitalizes on the reunion of the main characters and further refines the narrative, allowing The Witcher to close its chapters with the intensity and depth fans have long cherished.
“As someone who felt that Cavill was better suited as Geralt of Rivia than his more famous DC role as Superman, I was not the most hopeful about the recast.” ?Reviewer
“Hemsworth’s Geralt is charismatic, and he had the most entertaining story to me out of the show’s lead trio.” ?Reviewer
“Cavill also had better comedic timing, even though Geralt was known for his dry delivery.” ?Reviewer
“The show is at its best when the trio is together, which continues to be true with [Liam] Hemsworth’s Geralt.” ?Reviewer
