The showrunner behind Netflix seriesThe Witcher, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, has responded to the backlash (viaTech Radar) that has been leveled at the showfollowing the surprise announcement that lead actor Henry Cavill will depart the seriesat the end of the upcoming third season. Cavill took to social media in October to reveal that he would no longer play the role of Geralt inThe Witcher, making way forIndependence Day: Resurgencestar Liam Hemsworth. A recasting decision that has really not gone down well with fans.
“It’s a big deal for us, too. And that’s the thing – there’s a lot of talk and rumors about and we fully understand why fans are going there. What I will say is please come back for The Witcher season three so that we can continue to do this. Obviously, that [Cavill’s departure] is huge news. But what I don’t want to do is – this has to stay about Blood Origin, Declan [de Barra, Blood Origin’s showrunner], the cast, and the crew. This is their time in the spotlight.”
Acknowledging the passionate response from fans ofThe Witcher, Hissrich pleaded with them to return for the third season, and to give spinoffs such as the prequel miniseriesThe Witcher: Blood Origina chance. No doubt that many will tune in to watch Henry Cavill’s last ride as Geralt of Rivia, but Hissrich and Netflixare going to have a much tougher time persuading audiencesto watch Liam Hemsworth take over in season 4.
“As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri of Cintra into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it,” the official plot synopsis forThe WitcherSeason 3 reads. “Entrusted with Ciri’s magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where she hopes to discover more about the girl’s untapped powers; instead, they discover they’ve landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery. They must fight back, put everything on the line — or risk losing each other forever.”
Related:The Witcher: Why Fans Are So Unhappy About Henry Cavill’s Departure
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich Thinks Liam Hemsworth Will Give The Witcher a New Energy
This is not the first time Hissrich has had to respond to the major recasting recently, with the showrunner declaring that the addition of Liam Hemsworthwill bring a “new energy”to the ongoing fantasy show. “I’m so excited for viewers,” she said. “I think that it’s just a new chapter for us. And I think new chapters bring new energy and that people will find things to love. So yeah, personally, I’m really excited.”
Hemsworth himself has since offered his thoughts on taking over from Henry Cavillsaying, “As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia. 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. 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 WitcherSeason 3 does not yet have a release date, but will once again debut on Netflix.The Witcher: Blood Originmeanwhile is due for release on June 15, 2025.
