The Witcher Series Creator Says Henry Cavill Will Get A Heroic Send-Off
The truth behind Henry Cavill leaving "The Witcher" series is murky right now. Some rumors say it was because he was sure he was strapping on the cape again for a grand return to the DCU (which ... uh ... turned out not to be the case), while some say it was because of creative differences. We won't know the whole truth for a bit, I suspect, but no matter what the reason, we know Cavill is handing his swords over to Liam Hemsworth for season 4. But what does that mean for Cavill's Geralt? How jarring is it going to be to switch Geralt of Rivia actors between seasons 3 and 4?
Series creator and showrunner Lauren Hissrich has chimed in on this in recent days in an interview with Entertainment Weekly where the creative assures us that Cavill's time as The White Wolf is going to end with a bang and that the handoff to a new actor comes at a time when the character's goals are changing as well, which could soften the blow of losing Cavill at least a smidge.
Geralt will be a different man at the start of season 4 ... literally.
While the third season wasn't planned to be Henry Cavill's last hurrah as the character, Lauren Hissrich says that the timing oddly works with season 3 being largely an adaptation of "Time of Contempt," one of the more action-heavy entries into Andrzej Sapkowski's "Witcher" series. That means Cavill is getting "a heroic sendoff," according to the showrunner.
Geralt is something of a loner as a character and part of his arc is that he starts caring for a young woman in his charge, a character change that has been building over the first three seasons that will leave Geralt a different man by the start of the fourth season. With Cavill stepping away, that "different man" angle is now literal instead of figurative.
All that said, Liam Hemsworth seems to have a passion for the character, much like his predecessor, and his excitement to step into this world is evident in his brief statement on his casting:
"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 honored 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."
All that's left is to see him in the white wig, swinging his silver sword at monsters, and casting spells to see if he makes the grade or not. We'll all find out in season 4 of "The Witcher."