MOVIE NEWS – The Witcher is gearing up for its final two seasons, but not without challenges. With Henry Cavill departing from the role of Geralt, Liam Hemsworth has taken up the mantle. While fans remain skeptical about the new actor, Hemsworth’s passion for the role and dedication to the series could be exactly what the show needs.
Henry Cavill wasn’t just beloved for his on-screen presence—he was also a devoted fan of The Witcher. Having played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt countless times and delved deep into Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, Cavill became a beacon of hope for the show’s fanbase. However, Liam Hemsworth shares a similar enthusiasm for the franchise, though it has gone somewhat unnoticed.
In an interview on Live With Kelly and Mark, Hemsworth revealed that he was introduced to the The Witcher universe through the games:
“I hadn’t seen the TV show and I hadn’t read the books, but I played the video game like ten years ago or something,” he shared. Though it may not seem as intense as Cavill’s fandom, Hemsworth fondly reminisced about his experience with the game, calling it “one of the best video games of all time.” He added:
“Netflix approached me almost two years ago to take over as Geralt, and I was genuinely excited to step into the role because I was a fan of the game. Since then, I’ve gone back to it a couple of times.”
Can Liam Hemsworth Be the Next Great Geralt?
Despite ongoing criticism of the show’s direction, many fans, like Hemsworth, have approached The Witcher universe primarily through the games. The actor has since caught up by reading the books and watching the series, demonstrating his commitment to the role. This enthusiasm could help deliver another compelling portrayal of Geralt of Rivia.
So far, it’s unclear how Hemsworth’s Geralt will sound, as the character’s distinctive, gravelly voice is a crucial element of his identity. Henry Cavill previously explained that his own Geralt voice was inspired by earlier performances (Doug Cockle in the games and Peter Kenny in the audiobooks) but added unique touches to make it his own. Hemsworth has remained tight-lipped about his performance, but if he can bring authenticity to the role, he might win over even the most doubtful fans.
However, even a stellar performance from Hemsworth might not be enough to overcome the series’ broader challenges. The Witcher faces the daunting task of condensing three sprawling novels into just two seasons while also tying up its original storylines. Season 4 is currently slated for a late 2025 release.
Source: MovieWeb
