Fans were shocked when Henry Cavill announced he was leaving the hit Netflix series The Witcher. Stepping into the role of Geralt of Rivia is a huge task, and the actor chosen for the job, Liam Hemsworth, admits he was very hesitant at first. So, what convinced him to pick up the silver sword? The answer is simpler than you might think: he is a genuine fan of the world of The Witcher.
Hemsworth was initially “pretty reluctant” when he was first approached for the part. He had many concerns about joining a series with such a passionate fanbase. However, his own love for the books and video games ultimately gave him the confidence to accept the challenge. He believed he could bring something new to the character, especially at this later point in Geralt’s story.
The Initial Reluctance
When his agent called him at the end of 2022 with the unexpected offer, Hemsworth’s first reaction was shock. He was on set filming another movie, and the question came out of the blue. His main worry was about the fans.
“Just the situation of coming into a series that’s already established a really passionate fanbase,” Hemsworth explained. “I appreciate these fans, and I appreciate the fact that they care so much about it.”
This was not a standard acting job. He was being asked to take over a lead role mid-story, a role that another actor had defined for three seasons. The pressure and the unique situation made him deeply consider the decision before saying yes.
The Fan’s Passion That Sealed the Deal
What broke through that reluctance was Hemsworth’s personal connection to The Witcher universe. He was not just an actor looking for a job; he was a fan who respected the source material.
“I think if I wasn’t a fan myself, if I didn’t care about it, I wouldn’t have come on board,” Hemsworth stated. “The reason I came on board was because I was a fan, and because I thought that I could do justice to this character. I thought that could bring an interesting interpretation to this part of the story.”
He has specifically mentioned that he is a big fan of the video games, calling The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt “one of the best games of all time.” This existing passion was the key factor that convinced him he could honor the character and offer a fresh perspective.
A New Chapter for Geralt
The story itself also attracted Hemsworth to the role. At the end of Season 3, Geralt was brutally defeated in a battle with the sorcerer Vilgefortz. He is left physically wounded and emotionally vulnerable, a state he is not used to.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich laid out Geralt’s journey for the final seasons during a crucial phone call with Hemsworth. She described a Geralt who is in a place of “doubt and struggle and fear.” For the first time, the lone wolf monster hunter cannot succeed on his own. He must learn to open up, accept help, and rely on a new group of allies, known as his “hansa.”
This character arc presented a unique opportunity for Hemsworth to put his own stamp on Geralt. He was excited to explore a version of the character who is being rebuilt from a low point, both physically and emotionally. This narrative opening allowed him to step into the role without simply trying to copy what came before.
Showrunner’s Confidence
From the production side, the choice was clear. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich said Hemsworth was her first and only call for the role after Cavill’s departure. She needed an actor who could blend a powerful physical presence with a deep emotional soul.
“When we were looking at who potentially could fill the shoes of Geralt, there is a physicality that has to be present,” Hissrich explained. “What I really loved about Liam’s work that I had seen is that he was able to organically blend those two things. He didn’t have physical scenes and then emotional scenes. He was able to really carry this specific, I guess I call it soul. He has a soul that he brings into the role.”
Hissrich was confident that Hemsworth could capture the essence of Geralt while also bringing new layers to the character, making the transition feel natural and earned within the story.
A Different White Wolf
Hemsworth’s interpretation of Geralt will have noticeable differences. Hissrich pointed out that the actor has a “cheeky grin” and wanted to bring more of Geralt’s “dry wit” from the books to the screen.
“I wanted it to be able to show these moments of him opening up a little more,” Hemsworth said. “My interpretation of this character is Geralt is a deeply empathetic person.”
This means audiences can expect a Geralt who might be more emotionally expressive and who smiles a bit more, fitting for a character who is learning to connect with others on a deeper level. The writing and delivery of his lines were also adjusted to suit Hemsworth’s natural Australian accent and speech patterns, moving away from Cavill’s very gravelly tone.
To physically transform into the White Wolf, Hemsworth underwent intense training for months before filming began. He worked extensively on sword fighting and building the strength and fluidity required for the role’s demanding action sequences. His new look as Geralt also includes a prominent facial scar, a detail the show added to reflect the character’s recent traumatic battles.
The fourth season of The Witcher, starring Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, premieres on October 30 on Netflix. The season will continue the adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, following Geralt as he travels with his new companions to find Ciri and Yennefer.
Also Read: Liam Hemsworth Was Hesitant to Become The Witcher’s New Geralt
Credits: RadioTimes, IGN, Netflix Tudum
