Fans of The Witcher have a familiar and powerful ally to look forward to when the show returns. Rebecca Hanssen has confirmed her return as the formidable Queen Meve of Lyria and Rivia in the upcoming fourth season. The actress recently teased that fans of the franchise, particularly those who enjoyed the Thronebreaker video game, will be very pleased with her character’s role in the new episodes.
The return of Queen Meve offers a reassuring constant for the fandom amidst a major casting change. Liam Hemsworth is taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill, making Season 4 one of the most anticipated yet nervous chapters for viewers. Hanssen’s Queen Meve, a character celebrated for her strong leadership and strategic mind, provides a crucial link to the story’s established world.
Who is Queen Meve?
For those who may need a reminder, Queen Meve is the resolute ruler of Lyria and Rivia. She first appeared in the finale of The Witcher Season 2, portrayed by Rebecca Hanssen. In the universe of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, Meve is a revered wartime leader known for her toughness and her ability to make hard choices to protect her people.
Her character was explored in greater depth in the video game Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, where she is the main protagonist. The game solidified her status as a fan-favorite, showcasing her excellent leadership and strong personality as she leads her kingdom through a brutal war.
A Pivotal Role in the Final Episodes
Reports indicate that Queen Meve’s return will be anything but a brief cameo. She is set to appear in the final two episodes of Season 4, where she will be involved in one of the season’s major set pieces: the Battle of the Bridge.
This battle is a significant event from the books where Geralt and his companions, known as his “Hansa,” fight alongside the Northern troops against the Nilfgaardian forces. The aftermath of this conflict leads to a iconic moment in Witcher lore. Following the battle, Queen Meve knights Geralt, formally bestowing upon him the title “Geralt of Rivia.”
Hanssen herself hinted at the significance of these scenes, especially for dedicated fans of the games. She shared:
“I think fans of Thronebreaker, the game, will be very pleased with the last episode.”
This suggests the show might adapt this key sequence, potentially showing events from Queen Meve’s perspective, much like the game did.
New Faces and Loyal Commanders
Queen Meve will not be returning alone. She will be accompanied by her loyal commander, Reynard Odo, who will be portrayed by Gareth David-Lloyd. This addition further solidifies the show’s commitment to building out Meve’s storyline and her military entourage.
They will join a host of other new characters arriving in Season 4, including Laurence Fishburne as the higher vampire Regis, Sharlto Copley as the bounty hunter Leo Bonhart, and Danny Woodburn as the dwarf Zoltan Chivay.
A Reassuring Presence in a New Era
The confirmation of Queen Meve’s expanded role has been met with positive reactions from fans. On social media and fan forums, her return is seen as a smart move that honors the deeper lore of the Witcher universe. In a season defined by a major transition, the presence of a beloved and strong character from the books and games serves as a bridge, maintaining the soul of the story.
The Witcher Season 4 has finished filming and is currently in post-production. Netflix has scheduled its release for October 30, 2025.
Also Read: The Witcher Season 4 Cast Gathers in London for Star-Studded Premiere
