Liam Hemsworth Hadn’t Watched The Witcher or Read the Books Before Netflix Casting as Geralt
Liam Hemsworth had not seen the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher or read the original books before being cast for the role of Geralt of Rivia following Henry Cavill’s departure from the series.
The Hunger Games star, who’ll play Geralt of Rivia in the upcoming season 4 and season 5, revealed this bit of surprising news, stating that, however, he was a fan of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt video game.
Netflix confirmed production of season 4 of The Witcher early this year, with Hemsworth set to take over the role of the White Wolf from Henry Cavill.
In his recent appearance on Live with Kelly And Mark on September 30, the actor spoke about his overall experience from being offered the role by Netflix to not having watched the previous seasons starring Cavill to filming for season 4 of the fiction fantasy show. “I hadn’t seen the TV show. And I hadn’t read the books,” Hemsworth admitted.
He followed up with his love for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, “But I played the video game like 10 years ago or something, and it’s still to this day one of the best video games of all time.
“And Netflix came to me almost two years ago now and said that they wanted me to just step in and take over and I was really excited by taking on that character because I was a fan of the video game.”
Despite his excitement of taking over the role, he explained he didn’t readily accept the offer. “I said, you know, let me watch the TV show and have a look at the books and really get stuck into it.”
When the host inquired about his love for the game, he continued, “It’s one of those video games you’ve got to spend a lot of time playing, you really got to put in some hours.”
When Superman star Cavill announced he was leaving The Witcher in October 2022, mixed reactions rippled across the media, with many fans expressing their grief, positing that his exit marked the show’s ultimate end. Fans weren’t the only ones who shared the sentiment.
Critics had the same fear, and showrunner Lauren Hissrich said the show could’ve ended or moved on without Geralt as the protagonist after Cavill’s tough departure but decided against those drastic measures as there was “just too many stories left to tell.”
Cavill may have worn the cloak and white wig of Geralt of Rivia with such perfection that he seems, as fans opine, irreplaceable. But as he announced his retreat from the show, he also expressed his faith in Hemsworth as the next White Wolf.
“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 shared on social media.
He continued, sharing his loving approval for the show’s future with Hemsworth, “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.”
Netflix unveiled the first look at Season 4 of The Witcher, with Hemsworth bearing an uncanny resemblance to the role’s predecessor, who set a high standard and left an indelible legacy for the actor to live up to. Regardless, Hemsworth seems up to the challenge.
He said, “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 Witcher Season 4 is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025 and will also star Laurence Fishburne and Danny Woodburn.
