The Witcher franchise, beloved by fans across books, video games, and Netflix’s hit series, has entered a new chapter with Season 4, but it’s one that’s raising eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. Liam Hemsworth has stepped into the role of Geralt of Rivia, replacing Henry Cavill, who portrayed the stoic monster hunter for the show’s first three seasons. While the recasting itself sparked debate, recent set photos revealing Hemsworth’s take on the character have ignited a fresh wave of criticism. Fans and critics alike are calling his appearance “sloppy,” a stark departure from both Cavill’s polished interpretation and the rugged yet iconic Geralt of Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels and CD Projekt Red’s video games. As of March 28, 2025, with Season 4 still in production, this shift in aesthetic is shaping up to be a defining—and divisive—moment for the series.
Henry Cavill’s Geralt was a revelation when The Witcher premiered in 2019. A self-professed fan of the source material, Cavill brought a meticulous intensity to the role, from his gravelly voice to his chiseled physique. His costume—a dark, textured armor sans the traditional red trunks of comic lore—blended practicality with a modern edge, earning praise for its sleek design. The white wig, often a sticking point for fantasy adaptations, was styled with precision, reflecting Geralt’s battle-worn yet disciplined persona. Cavill’s look became synonymous with the character, a near-perfect bridge between the books’ gritty realism and the show’s cinematic ambitions. For three seasons, he embodied a Geralt that felt both authentic and aspirational, setting a high bar that fans grew fiercely attached to.
Enter Liam Hemsworth, whose debut as Geralt has been under scrutiny since his casting was announced in October 2022. Leaked set photos from the ongoing filming in Wales, circulating widely on X by late March 2025, offer the first clear glimpse of his interpretation. The images show Hemsworth in a looser, less defined outfit—think baggy leather, unkempt stitching, and a wig that appears more tousled than tamed. Where Cavill’s Geralt exuded control, Hemsworth’s seems almost disheveled, prompting descriptors like “sloppy” and “unrefined” from fans online. The armor lacks the intricate detailing of its predecessor, and the overall silhouette feels softer, less imposing. Some have likened it to a cosplay gone awry rather than the commanding presence expected of the White Wolf.
This visual shift is a far cry from the original Geralt of Sapkowski’s books, too. In the novels, Geralt is described as lean and weathered, his attire functional yet marked by the wear of countless hunts. The video games amplified this with a rugged elegance—scarred but stylish, with layered armor and a signature wolf medallion. Hemsworth’s look, by contrast, feels like it’s lost that balance, leaning too heavily into a rough-around-the-edges vibe without the gravitas to back it up. Fans who’ve cherished the character’s blend of lethality and charisma are left wondering if this new direction sacrifices too much of what made Geralt iconic.
The costume isn’t the only point of contention. Hemsworth’s physicality has drawn comparisons to his Hunger Games days, where he played the sturdy but softer-edged Gale Hawthorne. At 6’3”, he matches Cavill’s height, but his build—less sculpted, more everyman—alters the character’s silhouette. Cavill famously bulked up to 200 pounds of muscle, a transformation that screamed “superhuman monster slayer.” Hemsworth, while fit, doesn’t carry the same heft, and paired with the lax wardrobe, it’s hard to see the same unrelenting warrior. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about presence, and many feel the new Geralt lacks the intimidating aura that defined his predecessors.
Behind the scenes, the change might reflect a broader creative pivot. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich has hinted at Season 4 exploring a “darker, more grounded” narrative, possibly justifying a less polished Geralt as he navigates a fractured world post-Thanedd Coup. Yet, this explanation hasn’t quelled the backlash. On X, reactions range from disappointment—“Cavill looked like he could kill a wyvern with his bare hands; Liam looks like he’s lost a bar fight”—to cautious optimism that Hemsworth’s performance might redeem the look. Freya Allan, who plays Ciri, has urged fans to give him a chance, noting his commitment to the role. Still, the visual first impression is proving a tough sell.
As The Witcher Season 4 nears its expected late 2025 release, the stakes are high. Hemsworth faces the daunting task of not just filling Cavill’s boots but redefining a character whose image has been meticulously crafted over decades. The sloppy aesthetic might be a bold choice, a bid to differentiate this Geralt from what came before, but it risks alienating a fanbase already wary of change. Whether this gamble pays off will hinge on more than just looks—Hemsworth’s portrayal will need to carry the weight of Geralt’s legacy. For now, though, the White Wolf’s new guise is a jarring shift, leaving many to wonder if this is still the Witcher they know and love.
