by Thinus Ferreira
In an unexpected announcement late on Saturday Netflix said that Henry Cavill is leaving his role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher with Liam Hemsworth who is replacing him in a massive change for the fantasy drama series which Netflix also says has been renewed for a fourth season.
Following his surprise return as Superman in an end credits scene in the film Black Adam, Henry Cavill last week in an announcement on his Instagram account, said that he is "back as Superman" and will be reprising his film role as the DC superhero.
The third season of The Witcher with Henry Cavill is expected to debut on Netflix sometime in 2023 with a 4-episode prequel series, The Witcher: Blood Origin, which will be released on Netflix on 25 December, starring Laurence O'Fuarain, Sophia Brown and Michelle Yeoh.
The Witcher is based on the book series of Andrezej Sapkowski, following a monster-hunter travelling the Continent fighting various creatures, having formed a bond with a sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and a Cintran princess Ciri (Freya Allan).
Henry Cavill appeared as Geralt since December 2019 in the fantasy series set in a world of humans, elves, gnomes, monsters and witchers.
"In season 4, Liam Hemsworth will step in as the titular monster-hunter Geralt of Rivia, the role Henry Cavill originated in the first three seasons," Netflix says.
"My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for season 4," Henry Cavill says in a statement he released on his Instagram account.
"In my stead, the fantastic Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find."
Liam Hemsworth in a statement on his Instagram account, says "As a Witcher fan I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia".
"Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world."
Henry Cavill will next appear in Enola Holmes 2 alongside Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock Holmes, which is releasing on Netflix next week and he is also reteaming with director Guy Ritchie on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare before he will put on the Superman suit again for Warner Bros. Films which will restart his film journey as that DC superhero.
