As of March 30, 2025, anticipation for The Witcher Season 4 has reached a fever pitch, with production well underway and Liam Hemsworth stepping into the iconic role of Geralt of Rivia. However, the excitement has been overshadowed by a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike: this season may go down as the series’ biggest failure. The departure of Henry Cavill, who portrayed Geralt for the first three seasons, has left an indelible mark on the show, and many argue that the decision to ignore his input during his tenure—coupled with the casting of Hemsworth as his replacement—has irreparably damaged the Netflix adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s beloved fantasy saga.

Henry Cavill’s exit from The Witcher in October 2022 sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Cavill, a self-professed fan of both the books and the video games, brought a depth and authenticity to Geralt that resonated deeply with audiences. His physicality, stoic demeanor, and nuanced performance elevated the character beyond the page and screen, earning him widespread praise. Reports suggest that Cavill’s departure stemmed from creative differences with showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and the writing team. Fans have long speculated that Cavill, a purist when it came to the source material, clashed with the show’s direction, which often diverged from Sapkowski’s novels in favor of broader, more mainstream appeal. Cavill himself hinted at this in interviews, emphasizing his desire for a Geralt who remained true to the books’ three-dimensional complexity—a vision that reportedly clashed with the writers’ approach.

The decision to replace Cavill with Liam Hemsworth, known for his role as Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games, was met with skepticism from the outset. Hemsworth, while a capable actor with a strong screen presence, faced an uphill battle stepping into the boots of a character so indelibly tied to Cavill’s portrayal. Netflix released a teaser in May 2024, offering the first glimpse of Hemsworth as Geralt, complete with the signature white wig and rugged attire. The response was mixed at best. Some praised Hemsworth’s effort to embody the stoic monster hunter, noting his physical preparation and commitment to the role. In a recent interview on Live with Kelly & Mark, Hemsworth revealed he dove into the books, games, and previous seasons to prepare, showcasing a dedication that mirrors Cavill’s own passion. Yet, for many, this was not enough to bridge the gap left by his predecessor.

The crux of the issue lies in the creative choices made by the show’s leadership. Season 3, Cavill’s final outing, was already divisive, with critics and fans pointing to a convoluted plot and departures from the source material as signs of trouble. The Thanedd coup, a pivotal moment in the books, was altered significantly, diluting its emotional and political weight. Cavill’s exit only amplified these concerns, as fans feared the show would drift further from its roots without his influence as a guiding force. Early reports from the set of Season 4 suggest that the writers have doubled down on their vision, prioritizing spectacle over fidelity to Sapkowski’s narrative. Leaked details hint at a storyline that continues to sideline key characters and events from Baptism of Fire, the book Season 4 is expected to adapt, in favor of original content that feels disconnected from the Witcher universe.

Liam Hemsworth’s performance, while earnest, cannot salvage what many see as a sinking ship. The Australian actor has spoken candidly about the challenge of taking on such an iconic role, expressing admiration for Cavill and a desire to honor the character’s legacy. Yet, the burden placed on him is immense. Cavill’s Geralt was not just a performance but a cultural touchstone, bolstered by his off-screen advocacy for the franchise. Hemsworth, despite his efforts, lacks the same gravitas and connection to the material that Cavill brought naturally. Fans on social media platforms like X have been vocal, with sentiments ranging from cautious optimism to outright rejection, one user lamenting, “Henry Cavill was The Witcher. They made a huge mistake replacing him.”

The director and creative team’s refusal to heed Cavill’s warnings has seemingly set Season 4 on a collision course with disaster. While the show has been renewed for a fifth and final season, the damage may already be done. Viewers who once tuned in for a faithful adaptation of a rich fantasy world now face a series that feels increasingly unmoored from its origins. Hemsworth’s Geralt, no matter how valiant his attempt, is caught in the crossfire of a production that prioritized creative liberties over the essence of what made The Witcher special. As the release date approaches—expected in late 2025—the question remains: can the show recover, or will Season 4 cement its legacy as the moment The Witcher lost its soul? For now, the consensus among the faithful is clear: without Cavill, and without listening to his vision, they’ve ruined what could have been a masterpiece.