The Witcher fandom has been abuzz with discussion following the release of new promotional images for the fourth season of Netflix’s The Witcher, set to premiere later in 2025. The images, which showcase Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, have sparked widespread comparisons to Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the iconic monster hunter in the show’s first three seasons, starting in 2019. Fans have noted significant differences in Geralt’s appearance between the two actors, with many describing Cavill’s look as “cool” and “definitive,” while Hemsworth’s interpretation, though striking, feels “a bit different from the original.” This transition, one of the most high-profile recastings in recent television history, has reignited debates about the character’s legacy and the direction of the series as it approaches its final seasons.

When The Witcher debuted in 2019, Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt was met with near-universal acclaim. Cavill, a self-professed fan of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and the CD Projekt Red video games, brought a commanding presence to the role. His Geralt was rugged yet stoic, with a chiseled physique that matched the character’s reputation as a battle-hardened warrior. The 2019 promotional images captured this perfectly: Cavill’s Geralt, clad in studded black armor with a sword slung over his shoulder, exuded a sense of gravitas. His white hair, tied back in a loose ponytail, and the medallion around his neck became iconic symbols of the character. Cavill’s deep, gravelly voice—often punctuated by his now-famous “Hmm”—further cemented his interpretation as the definitive live-action Geralt for many fans. The first season’s success, coupled with Cavill’s dedication to performing his own stunts, made him a fan favorite, with many citing his physicality and intensity as key to the show’s early appeal.

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of The Witcher has changed dramatically. Cavill’s departure after Season 3, announced in late 2022, came as a shock to fans. While the official reason cited was Cavill’s commitments to other projects, including his brief return as Superman in the DC Extended Universe, rumors swirled that creative differences with the showrunners over the adaptation’s fidelity to the books played a role. Liam Hemsworth, known for his roles in The Hunger Games and The Expendables 2, was announced as Cavill’s replacement, a decision that initially drew skepticism from the fandom. The first official images of Hemsworth as Geralt, released on March 24, 2025, have only intensified the comparisons. In the 2025 images, Hemsworth’s Geralt sports a similar black armor set, but the design appears slightly more streamlined, with a higher collar and less visible wear-and-tear. His white hair is styled differently, looser and more windswept, and his overall demeanor seems less imposing than Cavill’s. While Hemsworth’s physical build is impressive, fans have noted that he lacks the same “battle-worn” aura that Cavill brought to the role.

The differences go beyond mere aesthetics. Cavill’s Geralt had a certain intensity in his eyes, a quiet menace that made even his softer moments—like his bond with Ciri—feel earned. Hemsworth’s portrayal, at least from the promotional material, appears more approachable, with a softer gaze that some fans have described as “less grizzled.” This has led to mixed reactions on social media platforms like X, where fans have been quick to share their thoughts. Some have praised Hemsworth’s fresh take, noting that his younger appearance—Hemsworth is 35, compared to Cavill’s 41—might better align with Geralt’s age in the later books. Others, however, feel that Hemsworth’s look deviates too far from the “original” Geralt they fell in love with, with comments like “Cavill was the perfect Witcher, Hemsworth looks like a cosplayer” gaining traction. The costume changes, particularly the sleeker armor, have also drawn criticism, with some fans arguing that it makes Geralt look less like a seasoned monster hunter and more like a polished knight.

Despite the comparisons, there’s an understanding among fans that Hemsworth faces an uphill battle. Taking over a role so closely associated with another actor is no easy task, and the showrunners have promised that Season 4 will address the transition in a way that respects both actors’ contributions. Leaks from the set suggest that the season will include a meta-narrative element, possibly involving magic or a multiverse-like concept, to explain Geralt’s changed appearance. Meanwhile, Hemsworth has spoken publicly about the role, expressing his admiration for Cavill’s work while emphasizing his desire to bring his own interpretation to the character. As The Witcher moves toward its conclusion with Seasons 4 and 5, the focus will undoubtedly remain on how Hemsworth’s Geralt evolves—and whether he can win over a fandom still nostalgic for Cavill’s “cool” and commanding presence.