Liam Hemsworth is slowly perfecting his character to become Geralt of Rivia. He expressed his desire to step out of Henry Cavill’s shadow.
As of February 28, 2025, the world of The Witcher is undergoing a seismic shift, with Liam Hemsworth steadily carving his path as the new Geralt of Rivia, the brooding monster hunter at the heart of Netflix’s fantasy juggernaut. Following Henry Cavill’s departure from the series after Season 3 in 2022, Hemsworth stepped into the role amid a whirlwind of skepticism and curiosity from fans. Now, with production for Season 4 well underway and a release slated for late 2025, the Australian actor has opened up about his journey, revealing his determination to make the character his own and emerge from the towering shadow cast by Cavill’s widely praised performance.
Hemsworth’s casting was announced in October 2022, shortly after Cavill confirmed he would exit the series to focus on other projects, including his brief return as Superman and upcoming Warhammer 40K venture. The transition sparked immediate debate among The Witcher’s passionate fanbase, many of whom had embraced Cavill’s portrayal as the definitive take on Andrzej Sapkowski’s iconic White Wolf. Cavill brought a gravitas to Geralt—his gruff voice, stoic demeanor, and physical prowess resonating with both book readers and newcomers. Hemsworth, known for roles in The Hunger Games and Independence Day: Resurgence, faced an uphill battle to prove he could fill those boots. Yet, recent updates from the set and Hemsworth’s own statements suggest he’s not just rising to the challenge—he’s redefining it.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight earlier this month, Hemsworth addressed the pressure head-on. “Henry did an incredible job, and I’ve got massive respect for what he brought to Geralt,” he said. “But I’ve always wanted to step out of that shadow and find my own footing. This is my Geralt now, and I’m pouring everything into it.” That effort is evident in reports from the Season 4 production in Wales, where Hemsworth has been spotted training rigorously—sword in hand, clad in Geralt’s signature armor. Sources close to the set describe him as “relentless,” spending hours perfecting fight choreography and studying Sapkowski’s novels to capture the character’s essence. Unlike Cavill, who leaned heavily on the games for inspiration, Hemsworth appears to be drawing more from the books, aiming for a rawer, grittier take on the White Wolf.
The transition hasn’t been without its hurdles. When Hemsworth’s casting was first revealed, social media erupted with mixed reactions—some fans lamented Cavill’s exit, while others questioned whether Hemsworth had the depth to embody Geralt’s complex blend of cynicism and heart. Posts on X from late 2022 showed a divide, with comments like “Liam’s too pretty-boy for Geralt” clashing against more optimistic takes like “Give him a chance—he might surprise us.” Netflix, aware of the stakes, has worked to ease the shift, releasing a teaser in December 2024 showing Hemsworth in costume for the first time. The brief glimpse—scarred face, white hair, and a steely glare—silenced some doubters, hinting at a Geralt who feels distinct yet faithful to the lore.
Hemsworth’s commitment goes beyond physical transformation. He’s spoken about diving into Geralt’s psyche, focusing on the character’s isolation and moral ambiguity. “Geralt’s not a hero in the shiny-armor sense,” he told ET. “He’s flawed, he’s battered, and he makes choices that don’t always sit right. That’s what I’m chasing—something real and messy.” This approach aligns with Season 4’s rumored storyline, which adapts Baptism of Fire and sees Geralt forming a ragtag band of allies to rescue Ciri (Freya Allan) from the clutches of Vilgefortz. Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has praised Hemsworth’s interpretation, noting in a recent Variety interview that “Liam brings a quiet intensity that’s different but equally compelling.”
For Hemsworth, this role is a chance to redefine his career. While he’s no stranger to blockbuster franchises, his past roles—like Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games—often positioned him as a supporting player. Taking on Geralt offers a rare spotlight, and he’s determined to make it count. Off-screen, he’s bonded with co-stars like Anya Chalotra (Yennefer) and Joey Batey (Jaskier), fostering a chemistry that early footage suggests will carry the series forward. Netflix has also hinted at a fifth and final season, meaning Hemsworth’s tenure could span two chapters, giving him ample time to cement his legacy as Geralt.
As The Witcher Season 4 nears completion, anticipation is building. Hemsworth’s desire to step out of Cavill’s shadow isn’t just about escaping comparison—it’s about honoring the character in his own way. Fans who once hesitated are warming to the idea, with posts on X now trending with cautious optimism: “Liam’s Geralt looks like he’s been through hell, and I’m here for it.” Whether he can fully win over the skeptics remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Hemsworth is forging his own path through the Continent, blade in hand, ready to prove he’s more than a replacement—he’s a new White Wolf for a new era.
