MOVIE NEWS – Netflix is going all-in on The Witcher Season 4, a decision that’s already dividing fans. With Henry Cavill gone and Liam Hemsworth stepping into the role of Geralt, the streaming giant has massively increased the show’s budget in a bold attempt to win back audiences. The only question is whether this huge investment will pay off — or go down as one of Netflix’s most expensive miscalculations.

Netflix has become infamous for spending staggering amounts of money on its ever-expanding slate of original films and series, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into its flagship titles every year. One of the most talked-about projects right now is the upcoming fourth season of The Witcher, the fantasy adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels that initially starred Henry Cavill as the magically enhanced monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. Cavill led the series for three seasons before his unexpected departure in October 2022, with The Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth set to replace him. Despite fan skepticism over the show’s direction, Netflix appears willing to take a massive financial risk — and the budget numbers prove it.

Cavill’s Exit Leaves Fans Heartbroken

A longtime fan of the books and games, Cavill lobbied hard to star in Netflix’s adaptation, which premiered on December 20, 2019. It became a global hit, amassing 541 million hours watched in its first 28 days and briefly holding the record as Netflix’s most-watched original series debut until Bridgerton and Squid Game surpassed it. Audiences were captivated by the show’s rich worldbuilding and magical atmosphere, with Cavill perfectly embodying the fearless monster hunter. But after three seasons, the Man of Steel actor shocked fans by announcing his departure, despite being committed to a seven-season plan. Reportedly, Cavill left due to the writers’ significant deviations from the source material, which he felt strayed too far from Sapkowski’s vision. Liam Hemsworth was announced as his replacement, drawing mixed reactions from viewers.

Cavill’s exit only deepened concerns about the series’ future, especially after viewership had already dropped by 30% following the premiere of Season 3 — long before his departure was made public. Yet instead of slashing costs, Netflix chose to invest even more money in the show. It’s a surprising gamble given all the turbulence surrounding the series and the uncertainty over its future.

Netflix Bets Big on Season 4

According to Redanian Intelligence, Season 1 of The Witcher had a budget of $11.5 million per episode, which rose to $22 million for Season 2. Season 3, Cavill’s final outing, cost $21.8 million per episode. The upcoming fourth season with Hemsworth, however, skyrocketed to an eye-popping $27 million per episode — bringing the total season budget to $221 million. That’s a staggering figure considering the growing skepticism, declining audience interest, and loss of the show’s original lead.

While Hemsworth will undoubtedly bring his own interpretation to Geralt, he faces a monumental challenge. For comparison, Stranger Things Season 4 reportedly cost around $270 million and went on to rack up 1.352 billion hours of viewership in its first 28 days, becoming Netflix’s most-watched English-language series ever. The Witcher doesn’t seem poised to replicate that success, but only time will tell whether Netflix’s bold bet will pay off or become an expensive failure. Season 4 of The Witcher premieres on October 30, 2025.

Source: MovieWeb