Netflix has released the first extended look at Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher Season 4, setting an official premiere date of October 30, 2025. The highly anticipated season introduces Hemsworth as the new lead following Henry Cavill‘s departure after Season 3, a casting change that continues to stir significant discussion among the show’s global fanbase. The teaser, which debuted during the Canelo vs. Crawford boxing match, offers a glimpse of Hemsworth in action against a supernatural foe and confirms the addition of Laurence Fishburne as the fan-favorite character Regis.
The New Geralt Emerges
The first footage of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt showcases the actor in a key action sequence, facing off against a wraith—a ghostly, vengeful spirit. In the clip, Geralt’s silver sword proves ineffective against the spectral enemy, forcing him to rely on his Witcher Signs. He first uses Aard to blast the creature backward and then Yrden to trap it in a magical cage. When these methods only partially succeed, Geralt ultimately destroys the wraith by reaching into its chest and crushing its dark, glowing core, causing it to dissipate into black dust. The visual effects and combat choreography appear consistent with the series’ established style, though Hemsworth’s portrayal introduces a subtle shift in demeanor .
The release date announcement came directly from Hemsworth himself, who appeared in a pre-recorded message during the boxing event to share the news. The new season will consist of eight episodes, all dropping simultaneously on Netflix, a departure from the split-season strategy used for Season 3. The logline for Season 4 reveals that the story continues after the continent-altering events of Season 3, with Geralt, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan) separated by war and enemies. They must navigate new alliances and “found families” to have any hope of reuniting .
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich told Netflix’s Tudum, “This is the beginning of a two-season journey for our family to finally reunite and be together — hopefully forever.” She added, “Show up, be willing to be surprised, be willing to accept that things look different, and know that the core of what you love is still there” .
Behind the Scenes: A Changed Continent
Henry Cavill’s exit from the series after Season 3 was formally announced in October 2022. Cavill stated he was “laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” expressing confidence in Hemsworth’s ability to take on the role. However, reports consistently pointed to creative differences as the underlying reason for his departure. Cavill, a well-known devotee of the source material—Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and CD Projekt Red’s games—was said to have advocated for a more faithful adaptation, sometimes rewriting scenes to better align with Geralt’s book persona. Rumors suggested tensions with writers who allegedly dismissed the source material, though Hissrich has consistently emphasized her commitment to adapting the books “in the smartest way possible” .
The production is now racing toward the finish line, with Seasons 4 and 5 being shot back-to-back to conclude the saga. The final two seasons are expected to cover the events of three novels: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. The addition of Laurence Fishburne as Regis, a worldly barber-surgeon with a mysterious past, is a direct lift from Baptism of Fire and has been a highlight for fans familiar with the books .
Fan Reaction: A Divided Continent
The reaction to the teaser has been mixed, highlighting the challenge of replacing an actor so deeply associated with a iconic role. On social media and YouTube, many fans expressed that the change feels “jarring” and that they still miss Cavill’s portrayal. One fan commented, “I just feel like I just watched a fan film,” while another stated, “This tv show without Henry Cavill is like Pirates of the Caribbean without Johnny Depp!” Some viewers noted that Hemsworth’s physical resemblance to his brother, Chris Hemsworth, was distracting, with one quipping, “Thor visits the Continent!” .
However, not all responses were negative. A segment of the audience urged others to give Hemsworth a fair chance, praising the action direction and tone of the teaser. One comment read, “I miss Henry already… but damn, I’m lying if I didn’t say that Liam looks really good as Geralt here, the music and scene direction also seems pretty neat judging from this teaser so far. let’s see how this goes.” This divide underscores the emotional connection fans have to Cavill’s performance but also a willingness to see how Hemsworth makes the role his own .
The sentiment was echoed by the cast itself. Freya Allan, who plays Ciri, has been candid about missing Cavill, with reports indicating she even expressed a wish for Netflix to bring him back. This behind-the-scenes nostalgia further fuels the complex fan dynamics surrounding the recasting .
Looking Forward: The Warhammer Future and a Witcher Conclusion
As The Witcher moves forward without him, Henry Cavill has shifted his focus to another passion project: leading the development of the Warhammer 40,000 cinematic universe for Amazon Studios. Cavill’s departure from Geralt was almost immediately followed by news of his involvement in Warhammer, a franchise he is deeply passionate about. Reports indicate he is deeply involved in the creative process, meticulously studying source material to ensure accuracy—a direct parallel to his approach on The Witcher. For many fans, this move validates the rumors that creative differences led to his exit, as he now has the opportunity to build a project from the ground up with fidelity to the original lore .
Meanwhile, Netflix is moving full steam ahead with the Witcher universe. Beyond the main series concluding with Season 5, a spin-off project titled The Rats: A Witcher’s Tale is reportedly in development and slated for a feature-length release later this year. This indicates that while Cavill’s chapter may be closed, the Continent will continue to expand .
For now, all eyes are on October 30, when audiences will finally be able to judge Liam Hemsworth’s complete performance as the White Wolf. The series faces the daunting task of satisfying a passionate fanbase while steering its central character into a new era.
Also Read: Miley Cyrus Says She Was Fired From Hotel Transylvania Over Liam Hemsworth’s Penis Cake; See Details
Credits: Netflix Tudum, Variety, Polygon
