Liam Hemsworth has finally addressed his much-discussed role as the new Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, stepping into the boots left behind by Henry Cavill.
The 35-year-old actor is set to debut in the fourth season of Netflix’s fantasy blockbuster on October 30, following the announcement made in October 2022 regarding Cavill’s exit from the series.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hemsworth discussed the tumultuous social media reactions that followed the news of this casting switch.
He remarked, “The noise on social media was quite overwhelming, so I had to put that aside as it started to intrude on my thoughts.”
Having faced similar pressures before, Hemsworth emphasized, “At the end of the day, my passion is storytelling—it’s what I thrive on. I decided to unplug from social media for most of last year to maintain focus.”
Previously known for his role in the Hunger Games series, Hemsworth’s private life has drawn its share of attention, especially following his well-publicized marriage to Miley Cyrus—which came to an end in January 2020.
When discussing Cavill, Hemsworth expressed, “I admire Henry immensely and truly appreciate the groundwork he laid with his portrayal of Geralt.”
The Witcher showrunner, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, noted that Hemsworth was considered for the role as soon as it became clear that Cavill, now 42, was looking to pursue other opportunities.
“Liam’s name has been in the mix for some time,” Hissrich stated, while Hemsworth himself disclosed that the offer to play Geralt “caught him off guard,” adding, “I was just as surprised as everyone else.”
Hissrich highlighted that Cavill’s departure was a mutual decision and emphasized that discussions around the show’s continuation remained positive. “The Witcher is much greater than any single actor; it’s based on a rich literary universe,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that the show would flourish regardless of casting changes.
According to Hissrich, Cavill had ambitions for other roles he wanted to explore, making the decision a harmonious one. “We didn’t want to constrain someone who was eager to pursue different paths—this should be a mutually beneficial choice,” she added.
As for Cavill’s sentiments on the transition, he stated, “My journey as Geralt has been a mix of challenges and excitement, but it’s time for me to pass this mantle. I do so with deep respect for the character and a hopeful outlook for Liam to embrace his journey. Liam, I hope you enjoy the depths this character has to offer.”
In light of his casting, Hemsworth expressed, “Henry Cavill set a high bar with his portrayal of Geralt. It’s a privilege to take over and I’m truly excited about stepping into The Witcher universe.”
