Liam Hemsworth replaces Henry Cavill as the heroic Geralt of Rivia in a new look at Netflix’s The Witcher season 4.
The streamer unveiled the first extended footage from the return of The Witcher on Saturday, September 13, after previously releasing a sneak peek at the recasting in May 2024. Alongside the new footage, Netflix has confirmed that season 4 will premiere on October 30.
In the teaser, Hemsworth’s Geralt battles a vengeful spirit known as a wraith with his mighty sword, before he’s ultimately forced to call upon the mystical Witcher Signs to smash the wraith into dust. The footage debuted during Netflix’s streaming coverage of the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford boxing match from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
“One of the things we always say is that it wouldn’t be The Witcher if everything ended happily,” The Witcher showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich teased in a statement. “This is the beginning of a two-season journey for our family to finally reunite and be together — hopefully forever.”
Shocking TV Exits Through the Years
Cavill originated the role of Geralt in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of author Andrzej Sapkowski’s beloved fantasy books, before announcing in October 2022 that he was stepping away from The Witcher. Netflix subsequently confirmed that The Witcher would continue for two final seasons with Hemsworth stepping in to play Geralt.
“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” Cavill, 42, said in October 2022. “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. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
At the time, Hemsworth said he was “over the moon” about the opportunity to play Geralt since he’d always been a fan of The Witcher.
“Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure,” Hemsworth, 35, added. “Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”
The recasting was divisive among The Witcher’s fans, with cast member Freya Allan admitting to Collider in May 2024 that she was disappointed over the reception to Hemsworth replacing Cavill.
“I don’t want to speak for [Liam], but from what I’ve understood, I feel like he’s really wanting to try and bring the heart,” Allan, 24, said. “He’s been training. I feel sorry for him, honestly, because, number one, that fan base can be very attack-y, and it’s not an ideal situation to be in taking up someone else’s role.”
All About Liam Hemsworth’s Dazzling Engagement Ring to Gabriella Brooks
She added, “He’s such a lovely guy. I just hope that people give him the time of day, you know?”
Elsewhere, Hemsworth and his longtime partner, Gabriella Brooks, announced their engagement on Friday, September 12, by showing off Brooks’ ring in a carousel of photos via Instagram. The couple have been dating since 2019, and while they often maintain their privacy, Hemsworth and Brooks did turn heads in matching beige outfits at the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier this year.
