Fans and industry professionals were awed when Netflix announced on October 24 2022 from nowhere that Henry Cavill would be replaced by Liam Hemsworth as the White Wolf from the fourth season of The Witcher. The news came as a huge shock considering that Cavill has always been passionate about the show.
So, what happened to make Cavill quit The Witcher? Here’s what we know.
A week ago, the Man of Steel star graciously bowed out of the role he's been playing so well for three seasons.
He shared on his Instagram, 'My journey as Geralt of Riva has been filled with monsters and adventures and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my sword for season 4. 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.”
As much as Cavill loved starring in The Witcher, fans speculate that his disagreements with the showrunner may have led to his resignation.
Word has it that Cavill considered quitting the drama before the release of the second season. According to reports, Cavill was unhappy with the direction The Witcher was taking and that there were tensions between him and the producers, with a recast being considered.
Cavil also expressed that the Netflix version of his character wasn't as sophisticated as the book version. The book philosophised the part and drew the line between good and bad, while Netflix diluted Geralt into a snarky punchline character with morose monologues.
After the shocking revelation of Cavill’s departure from The Witcher, Hemsworth issued a statement saying that he's exhilarated about portraying the lead role. He confessed to having his work cut out for him and that it's unimaginable picturing anyone other than Cavill as Geralt.
Hemsworth wrote on his Instagram, “Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he is handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure.”
Stakes are high for the Australian actor to bring it home as Geralt on The Witcher. We can only hope he does the part justice.