- Liam Hemsworth officially replaces Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia for the show’s final two seasons.
- Season 4 will introduce major new characters, including Laurence Fishburne as the fan-favorite healer, Regis.
- The plot will follow Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri on separate and perilous journeys across a war-torn Continent.
- Netflix has confirmed the series will conclude with Season 5, with the last two seasons adapting the final three books of the saga.
A New Era For The Witcher Begins
The Continent is about to feel very different. Netflix’s fantasy epic, The Witcher, is heading into its fourth season with monumental changes on the horizon, most notably a new face for its iconic monster-slayer. The upcoming season marks the official debut of Liam Hemsworth, who has controversially taken over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill.
Netflix has confirmed that this is the beginning of the end for the beloved series. Season 4 and the subsequent fifth and final season were filmed back-to-back, setting the stage for a grand conclusion based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s last three books: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake.
The Controversial Recast Shaking the Fandom
The shocking announcement of Henry Cavill’s departure in October 2022 left fans reeling, with neither Netflix nor the actor providing a clear reason for the exit. Cavill simply stated he would be “laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4” for the “fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth.”
Hemsworth, a self-proclaimed fan of the video games, admitted he was “pretty hesitant and unsure” about stepping into such an established role midway through the series. However, he has embraced the challenge, noting the “pinch-yourself moments” of wearing Geralt’s iconic costume.
What Awaits Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri?
When we return for Season 4, our central trio will be scattered and vulnerable. The end of Season 3 saw Geralt (formerly Cavill), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan) forced onto separate paths. Each will have to navigate new threats and forge new alliances to survive.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich revealed that the villainous sorcerer Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) will be a central focus. “The questions that our characters need to be asking [going into] Season 4 [are], ‘Why is he doing this?’ and ‘How is he doing this?’” Hissrich told Tudum, promising a deeper dive into the antagonist’s master plan.
Meet the New Faces Joining the Hunt
The recast isn’t the only new development. Season 4 is bringing in some serious star power with several key characters being introduced.
Laurence Fishburne as Regis
In a major casting coup, The Matrix legend Laurence Fishburne joins as Regis, a wise and world-weary healer with a mysterious past who becomes a significant ally to Geralt.
New Foes and Allies
The cast also expands to include Sharlto Copley (District 9) as the ruthless bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, James Purefoy (The Following) as the spy Skellen, and Danny Woodburn (Conan the Adventurer) as the dwarven warrior Zoltan. These characters signal a dangerous and expanded world for Ciri and Geralt as they navigate their separate quests. With the end in sight, these new players are set to make the final chapters of The Witcher unforgettable.
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