The world of The Witcher has been a phenomenon since its debut on Netflix in 2019, captivating audiences with its gritty fantasy storytelling and compelling characters. At the heart of the series has been the dynamic between Henry Cavill’s Geralt of Rivia and Anya Chalotra’s Yennefer of Vengerberg, a partnership that brought depth and chemistry to the show’s sprawling narrative. However, with Cavill’s departure after Season 3 and Liam Hemsworth stepping into the role of Geralt for Season 4, the cast has faced a significant transition. In a recent interview, Chalotra, who has portrayed the powerful sorceress Yennefer since the series began, opened up about her experience, revealing a poignant sentiment that has struck a chord with fans: she misses working with Cavill, emphasizing the unique connection he had with the character of Geralt.
Speaking at a promotional event for The Witcher Season 4 in London on March 2, 2025, Chalotra reflected on the shift in the production dynamic. Her comments, which quickly spread across platforms like X, offered an unfiltered glimpse into her feelings. “Unlike Liam, Henry knows what Geralt is doing,” she said, her tone tinged with both admiration and nostalgia. “I mean, Henry and Geralt are almost one.” The statement underscores the profound bond Cavill forged with the White Wolf—a bond that fans and critics alike have long celebrated. Cavill, a self-professed fan of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and the CD Projekt Red video games, brought an authenticity to Geralt that resonated deeply, from his gravelly voice to his meticulous attention to the character’s stoic yet soulful nature.
Chalotra’s remarks highlight what made her on-screen partnership with Cavill so special. Their characters’ relationship—marked by passion, tension, and an unspoken understanding—served as an emotional anchor for the series. Whether it was the charged scenes of their first meeting in Season 1 or the tender moments of reunion in Season 3, the interplay between Yennefer and Geralt carried a weight that elevated the show beyond its monster-hunting premise. Chalotra, whose portrayal of Yennefer has been praised for its intensity and vulnerability, thrived alongside Cavill’s grounded presence. Their shared scenes often felt like a dance, balancing Yennefer’s fiery ambition with Geralt’s weary resilience—a dynamic that Chalotra now seems to miss as she adjusts to working with Hemsworth.
Cavill’s exit from The Witcher came as a shock to many when it was announced in October 2022, just as Season 3 was wrapping production. His departure, reportedly due to creative differences and scheduling conflicts with his burgeoning film career—including his return to the DC Universe as Superman—left a void that Netflix has sought to fill with Hemsworth, known for The Hunger Games and The Expendables. While Hemsworth has expressed enthusiasm for the role, promising to honor Cavill’s legacy, Chalotra’s comments suggest that the transition hasn’t been seamless. Her observation that “Henry knows what Geralt is doing” implies a level of instinct and ownership that Cavill brought to the character, perhaps unmatched by Hemsworth’s still-developing take as filming for Season 4 continues into mid-2025.
For fans, Chalotra’s words have reignited debates about Cavill’s departure and what it means for the future of The Witcher. Posts on X have ranged from heartfelt tributes to Cavill’s tenure—“Henry WAS Geralt, no one can replace that energy”—to cautious optimism about Hemsworth’s potential. Yet Chalotra’s sentiment also speaks to a broader truth about the alchemy of acting. Cavill didn’t just play Geralt; he embodied him, infusing the role with a passion that stemmed from his personal investment in the source material. His preparation was legendary—training for hours to nail the swordplay, studying the books to capture Geralt’s laconic wit, even advocating for more dialogue from the novels. Chalotra, as his co-star, clearly felt the ripple effects of that dedication, which made their collaboration a cornerstone of the show’s success.
As The Witcher moves forward, with Season 4 expected to premiere in late 2026, Chalotra’s nostalgia serves as a bittersweet reminder of what once was. She hasn’t dismissed Hemsworth outright—her comments were more reflective than critical—but her longing for Cavill’s presence underscores the challenge of recasting such an iconic role. The actress herself remains a constant, her Yennefer poised to evolve further as the series adapts Baptism of Fire and beyond. Yet without Cavill’s Geralt by her side, Chalotra faces the task of rekindling that on-screen magic with a new partner, a process she seems to approach with a mix of professionalism and quiet melancholy.
Liam Hemsworth
In the end, Chalotra’s candid admission resonates because it mirrors what many fans feel: Henry Cavill and Geralt were, in some indefinable way, one and the same. As The Witcher navigates this new chapter, her words linger as a tribute to a collaboration that defined the show’s early years—and a subtle challenge to Hemsworth to step into those boots with the same conviction. For now, as production rolls on, Chalotra’s Yennefer stands as a bridge between past and future, carrying the torch of a partnership she—and countless viewers—won’t soon forget.
