Copyright mirror
Hit adaptation of fantasy series The Witcher is returning for a new instalment on Netflix but with a major change. Henry Cavill, who took on the main role, has been replaced. He portrayed Geralt of Rivia for the first three seasons but broke fans' hearts after making the hard decision to leave the show behind and has been replaced by Liam Hemsworth. This is despite the expectation that the show will run for at least two more seasons before wrapping up the story. It is not the first iconic role taken on by Cavill, after he played Superman in three DC movies, not including cameo appearances. He also starred in Mission: Impossible Fallout as well as period drama The Tudors. Announcing his departure from the Netflix series in a statement on social media, Cavill posted: "Some news to share from The Continent... 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. "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." But why did Cavill decide to leave The Witcher behind? Here's all you need to know. Fans have been sharing many theories and reports online speculating as to the true reason for Cavill leaving the show. They often cite a combination of creative differences with the show's writing team, along with a wish to pursue other projects. It was well known that the actor was a huge fan of the original novels The Witcher is based on, as well as the critically acclaimed video game adaptation as well. The show has received plenty of criticism for not always sticking true to the original source material. Former producer and writer for the series Beau DeMayo even declared some in the writing room 'actively disliked' both Andrzej Sapkowski's novels and CD Projekt Red's interpretations. While answering fan questions about his work on Marvel animated series X-Men 97, he said: "I've been on show - namely Witcher - where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material)." He continued: "It's a recipe for disaster and bad morale. Fandom as a litmus test checks egos, and makes all the long nights worth it. You have to respect the work before you're allowed to add to its legacy." Cavill has previously alluded to his desire to present a faithful adaptation. In an interview while promoting season two, he explained: "It’s important for me to have the character be three-dimensional. And it’s tricky to do, as I was saying earlier, because there’s a certain vision and there’s a certain set storyline and plot. And so, it was about me trying to find Geralt’s place within that. All of my asks and requests were along the lines of just being faithful to the source material.” Also well reported is Cavill's desire to make some kind of adaptation based on Warhammer 40,000 of which is also a passionate fan of. While apparently in development in Amazon, it is taking some time to get off the ground. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich has since opened up about the change to the leading man. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, she claimed Cavill had "plans for other roles that he really wanted to commit himself to". Originally some believed this to be another Superman film but James Gunn would also recast that role for his reboot of the DC cinematic universe. Hissrich added: "And for us, you don’t want to hold someone and force them to be doing something that they don’t want to do. I think that’s why it felt like a really symbiotic decision. “ The Witcher season 4 will be released Thursday, 30th October on Netflix.
