A first look at Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt has been revealed in a new set photo from The Witcher season 4. In October 2022, it was announced that former The Witcher star Henry Cavill would be leaving after season 3, and that he would be replaced by Hemsworth. Now, The Witcher season 4 is currently in production with Hemsworth in the lead, but does not currently have a release date yet.
As per Metro, new set photos reveal Hemsworth in The Witcher. Taken largely from a distance, the photos give a glimpse at Hemsworth in one of his Geralt costumes. In this costume, Hemsworth is clad in all black, sporting knee-high boots and a blonde wig. The character sports a sword, and is seen in combat in one shot. Another picture shows a stunt performer, dressed as Hemsworth’s Geralt, being flung onto a crash mat. Another picture, presumably between takes, shows Hemsworth leaning back against rocks, arms crossed.
Ever since his recasting as Geralt was announced, Hemsworth has received backlash for his casting in The Witcher. Cavill was a beloved lead in the series, and is a generally a fan-favored actor who has helped attract viewers to the series. Many people felt that the grace and power with which Cavill handled Geralt cannot be matched, and that Hemsworth was incapable of taking on the role effectively.
This backlash will prove to be one obstacle moving forward for Hemsworth. Beyond being a potential let down from Cavill, Hemsworth enters the series in a difficult time period. Though the first season of The Witcher was well-liked by audiences, viewers’ reactions went steady downhill from there. The Witcher season 1 got an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes; by the time of The Witcher season 3, that score had dipped to just 19%. Between the show’s downward spiral and Cavill’s departure, The Witcher season 4 is not well-positioned for success.
So far, Hemsworth’s co-stars have been supportive of the actor. Ciri actress Freya Allan spoke highly of Hemsworth, defending his work in the role. Allen was quoted saying that “he’s such a lovely guy” and that she is “really excited to see what he does” for the Hemsworth is “really wanting to try and bring the heart.” Allan warned that The Witcher’s fan base can feel “very attack-y” at times, which could happen in season 4. For the initial set photos, Hemsworth carries himself with confidence as Geralt, a quality that will hopefully extend throughout The Witcher season 4.
Source: Metro