Whereas we wait patiently for The Witcher season 3, there’s some excellent news and a few probably unhealthy information for followers of the fantasy collection: Netflix has renewed the present for the fourth season, however, star Henry Cavill will not be returning as Geralt of Rivia.
As per the Netflix announcement, Liam Hemsworth – may be greatest referred to as Gale Hawthorne in The Starvation Video games collection – will probably be moving into the function. That casting change is nearly the one info we’ve got on season Four in the intervening time.
“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been stuffed with each monster and adventure, and alas, I will probably be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” mentioned the departing Cavill in an announcement. “In my stead, the incredible Mr Liam Hemsworth will probably be taking on the mantle of the White Wolf.”
As with the best of literary characters, I cross the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam tackle this most fascinating and nuanced of males. Liam, good sir, this character has such an exquisite depth to him, take pleasure in diving in and seeing what you will discover.”
“As a Witcher fan I am over the moon in regards to the alternative to playing Geralt of Rivia,” added Hemsworth. “Henry Cavill has been an unbelievable Geralt, and I am honoured that he is handing me the reins and permitting me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the following chapter of his journey.”
“Henry, I have been a fan of yours for years and was impressed by what you delivered to this beloved character. I’ll have some large boots to fill, however, I am excited to be moving into The Witcher world.”
Wait and see
You may after all discover reactions of all types to the information on social media, but it surely’s in all probability greatest to order judgment on the change till season Four seems – although it is truthful to say Cavill has been nice within the function and goes to be arduous to switch.
In a great world, the casting would have stayed fastened, however, there isn’t any purpose why Hemsworth cannot additionally impress as Geralt. We have lately seen deliberate casting modifications in HBO’s Home of the Dragon – one other epic fantasy collection that is developed a loyal following – displaying that they’ll work if performed properly.
Then there’s Physician Who after all, which lately mentioned goodbye to Jodie Whittaker as its important star. The distinction right here is that casting modifications are constructed into the narrative of the present, however, once more it’s proof that they do not should kill the momentum of a collection.
We’re going to have to attend some time to see how Hemsworth does although. Presumably filming hasn’t begun on The Witcher season 4, and there isn’t any indication that it’s going to get underway shortly. We’re a 2024 launch at the earliest.
Netflix will probably be hoping the change from Cavill to Hemsworth will not affect the recognition of the present, which is one of its largest hits. The spin-off The Witcher: Blood Origin is making its debut on Christmas Day and will hold followers going till season Three drops in some unspecified time in the future subsequent yr.
What we did not get from Netflix is any purpose for the change. Given Cavill has simply revealed that he is returning as Superman in one other film, maybe he simply does not have the time for The Witcher any extra – or maybe he simply looks like he must take a while away from the Continent now.