The Witcher fandom has been a passionate and vocal community since Netflix’s adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and the iconic video game series first premiered in 2019. With Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt of Rivia earning widespread acclaim for its depth, intensity, and fidelity to the source material, his departure after the third season sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Liam Hemsworth was announced as Cavill’s replacement in October 2022, and while some fans have expressed cautious optimism about his take on the White Wolf, recent set photos from The Witcher’s fifth and final season have reignited calls for Cavill’s return. The latest image of Hemsworth as Geralt, released in late April 2025, has sparked a heated debate about the show’s direction and whether the director and screenwriter should reach out to Cavill to reprise his role.
The Witcher’s journey on Netflix has been a rollercoaster of critical highs and lows. The first season captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and Cavill’s commanding performance, which many felt embodied the gruff, nuanced monster hunter from the books and games. Cavill, a self-professed fan of the franchise, brought a level of authenticity that resonated deeply, from his meticulously crafted Geralt voice— inspired by Doug Cockle’s video game portrayal—to his physicality in combat scenes. However, the show faced criticism in its second and third seasons for deviating from Sapkowski’s novels, a point of contention that reportedly contributed to Cavill’s exit. While the actor never fully explained his departure, citing only a desire to pass the torch, speculation about creative differences with showrunners has fueled fan frustration.
Enter Liam Hemsworth, whose casting as Geralt for seasons four and five was met with skepticism. Hemsworth, known for roles in The Hunger Games and The Expendables, has a daunting task: stepping into a role so closely associated with Cavill’s likeness and fan adoration. The first official look at Hemsworth as Geralt, shared by Redanian Intelligence on April 26, 2025, showed him in the iconic white wig, wielding a new sword with a red and gold hilt, likely the sihil from the books. While the production team has made efforts to align Hemsworth’s appearance with Cavill’s—maintaining Geralt’s scarred, rugged look—the response has been mixed. Some fans on social media platforms like X have praised Hemsworth’s leaner physique, noting it aligns more closely with Sapkowski’s description of Geralt as agile rather than bulky. One user commented, “I actually think he fits book Geralt’s description a bit better than Henry,” highlighting a segment of the fandom open to a fresh interpretation.
However, for many, the image only underscored Cavill’s absence. Posts on X, such as one from @TravellingMack on May 22, 2024, expressed sympathy for Hemsworth but lamented that “Henry Cavill is Geralt – just perfect for the role. Replacing him ruins the immersion.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that Hemsworth, despite his reported passion for the franchise, may struggle to replicate the chemistry Cavill shared with co-stars like Anya Chalotra (Yennefer) and Freya Allan (Ciri). The recasting of Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor, for season four has given Hemsworth a slight advantage, allowing him to forge new dynamics without direct comparison to Cavill’s established relationships. Yet, fans argue that the show’s heart lies in its core trio, and Hemsworth’s ability to recapture that magic remains unproven.
The call for Cavill’s return is not just nostalgia-driven. Fans point to his recent involvement in other high-profile projects, like the Highlander reboot, as evidence of his continued relevance in the fantasy genre. The release of The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep in February 2025, featuring Doug Cockle as Geralt’s voice, further highlighted Cavill’s absence, with some fans feeling that Cockle’s return only emphasized what was lost in the live-action series. Social media campaigns urging director Lauren Hissrich and the writing team to reconsider Cavill’s exit have gained traction, with fans arguing that his return could salvage the show’s final season and restore its initial glory.
Despite the backlash, there’s hope for Hemsworth. Co-stars like Graham McTavish (Dijkstra) have praised his performance, calling it “a joy” to work with him. Freya Allan, in a May 2024 interview, urged fans to give Hemsworth a chance, acknowledging the “attack-y” nature of the fandom. Producer Tomek Baginski has also promised a more lore-accurate season four, which could help Hemsworth win over skeptics. Still, the vocal majority remains steadfast, believing that Cavill’s Geralt is irreplaceable. As The Witcher approaches its penultimate season, the question lingers: can Hemsworth rise to the challenge, or will fans’ pleas for Cavill’s return overshadow his debut? Only time—and season four’s release—will tell.
