Henry Cavill to exit The Witcher, replaced by Liam Hemsworth

Henry Cavill is exiting one of Netflix’s most popular shows, and he’s been replaced by Aussie star Liam Hemsworth, taking fans by surprise.

There are changes afoot on Netflix’s fantasy epic The Witcher.

One major change in fact – Henry Cavill is leaving the show after the upcoming third season and will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth.

That’s right, Geralt of Rivia is about to undergo a significant transformation. Now, that’s magic.

Netflix announced the news today, followed soon by the leading men on their social media profiles.

Cavill wrote on Instagram: “My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for season four.

“In my stead, the fantastic Mr Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.

“Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”

Henry Cavill is still going to be very busy. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP

Liam Hemsworth will take over from Henry Cavill. Picture: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

The youngest Hemsworth returned the kind words, posting on Instagram, “As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia.

“Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure.

“Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”

Fan reaction to the news so far has been mixed. Many are bemoaning the loss of Cavill with some going so far as to say they will not watch The Witcher without the Brit.

The Witcher needs Cavill a lot more than Cavill needs The Witcher. This show is a dead man walking. https://t.co/QbkkcsRKo9

— The Critical Drinker (@TheCriticalDri2) October 29, 2022

The Witcher fans watching Season 4 starring Liam Hemsworth instead of Henry Cavill: pic.twitter.com/0gYEzEvIev

— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) October 29, 2022

This is how I felt hearing the news Henry Cavil will not be playing Geralt of Rivia after season 3 of #TheWitcherpic.twitter.com/Kz7s197QNI

— Link (@KhaosCookie) October 29, 2022

Despite the emotion-fuelled backlash, Hemsworth had a few supporters too.

Now it's all clear why Liam has been getting jacked!

Great guy! Congrats @LiamHemsworth#TheWitcher#liamhemsworthpic.twitter.com/83IRYSIWHQ

— Shaun O'Rourke (@ShaunORourke5) October 29, 2022

The Witcher had recently been in the headlines when a former producer on the show, Beau DeMayo, revealed not everyone in the production was a fan of the source material.

He said, reported IGN, “I’ve been on show - namely Witcher - where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material).

“It’s a recipe for disaster and bad morale. Fandom as a litmus test checks egos, and makes all the long nights worth it. You have to respect the work before you’re allowed to add to its legacy.”

While Cavill, who was a fierce advocate for the title, didn’t say why he was leaving the high-profile role – The Witcher is one of Netflix’s most successful fantasy franchises – the British actor does have a busy schedule coming up.

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR BLACK ADAM

Cavill redonned Superman’s cape and tights in a mid-credits sequence in DC’s Black Adam movie, suggesting the cinematic return of the man of steel.

Geralt of Rivia will soon have a different face. Picture: Netflix

Cavill last portrayed Superman in 2017 in Justice League and there had been no concrete plans to bring him back in the iconic role – until now.

He has also signed onto Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, a dramatised retelling of how the UK established its modern espionage service. It’s said to involve characters based on Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming.

Cavill is clearly a fan of the spy genre. He had previously worked with Ritchie on The Man from UNCLE and is in Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming Argylle, a romp about a spy with amnesia.

Cavill’s name has for years been on the speculation list for the next James Bond, but after the bucketload of spy thrillers, he may have satiated that thirst.

He will next be seen in the Enola Holmes sequel, where he plays Sherlock Holmes to Millie Bobby Brown’s Enola. It’s out on Netflix on November 4.

The Witcher is a high fantasy series based on a series of best-selling books and video games. The story is centred on a magical monster hunter.

The third season, which wrapped filming last month with Cavill and is currently in post-production, will drop in mid-2023.