After leaked photos from the set of The Witcher Season 4 revealed a first look at the Geralt of Rivia played by Liam Hemsworth, Netflix has issued the first official photo showing the actor in the iconic role.
Netflix published the teaser footage, below, showing The Hunger Games and Independence Day: Resurgence star as Geralt with a typically moody look on his face.
The journey continues. Here's your first look at Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher. pic.twitter.com/KK5veTMmN0
— Netflix (@netflix) May 22, 2024
"His look has been in development for over a year, so it’s thrilling to finally share an official sneak peek of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia," The Witcher showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich told Entertainment Weekly.
"Cast and crew alike have been struck by the passion, energy, and embodiment Liam has brought to the character from Day 1 — scruffy beard, iconic scar, and all! We’re having so much fun filming season 4 and are excited to welcome fans along on this journey with us."
Netflix announced in November 2022 that The Witcher would continue without its leading man as Henry Cavill walked away after three seasons. The actor hasn't given an explicit reason for leaving, though said in November 2021 he was absolutely committed to a seven season run of The Witcher "as long as we can keep telling great stories which honor Sapkowski's work."
Co-star Freya Allan, who plays Geralt's adopted daughter Ciri in the show, has said she feels sorry for Hemsworth as he deals with what's "not an ideal situation", but hopes fans give him a chance.
Critical reception of The Witcher is mixed so far, with IGN awarding Season 1 a 6/10, Season 2 a 7/10, and Season 3 a 7/10 and 5/10 over its split season in our reviews. "The Witcher closes out its most compromised season yet by once again losing Henry Cavill in the clunky, plot-heavy shuffle," we said of the most recent episodes.
Showrunner Lauren Hissrich said the show could've ended or moved on without Geralt after Cavill's departure, but Netflix wasn't willing to because "there's just too many stories left to tell."
Image credit: Netflix.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
