"The Witcher" 2023 Movie Review

The upcoming season 3 of "The Witcher" was not initially intended as a farewell for its lead actor, Henry Cavill, who has portrayed the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia since the start of the Netflix fantasy series. However, with Cavill's departure from the role and the casting of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt for season 4, series creator and showrunner Lauren Hissrich describes season 3 as the "most heroic sendoff" for the actor.

Hissrich states that the fourth book of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, "Time of Contempt", served as a source of inspiration for the story of season 3. She explains that this season is the closest adaptation of the books, with its numerous action scenes, defining character moments, and big reveals of the main villain. Hissrich says that Geralt's journey in season 3 involves giving up his neutrality to save Ciri and that this is the most heroic sendoff they could have provided for the character, despite it not being written as such.

Cavill announced his departure from "The Witcher" in October and went on to state that he was excited to see Hemsworth's take on the nuanced character. Hemsworth, for his part, expressed his excitement at being cast as Geralt and acknowledged that he has big shoes to fill following Cavill's performance.

The recasting plans for season 4 of "The Witcher" remain unaffected by Cavill's involvement in the DC superhero films, and Hissrich says they have not yet considered whether he could be involved in the show in another capacity. Hissrich also notes that the Witcher cinematic universe is still expanding, with upcoming projects such as "The Witcher: Blood Origin" and "Nightmare of the Wolf", among others, ensuring that the possibilities for the franchise are endless.

The third season of "The Witcher" was not initially designed as a farewell for Henry Cavill, who starred as Geralt of Rivia, the supernatural monster hunter, since the show's inception. However, with Cavill's departure and Liam Hemsworth stepping in to fill the role for season 4, series creator Lauren Hissrich says that season 3 became "the most heroic sendoff" for the lead character.

Hissrich says that the season's close adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's fourth book, "Time of Contempt," allowed the writers to pay fitting tribute to Cavill's contribution to the show. According to Hissrich, the season showcases Geralt's newfound mission to reach Ciri and is a fitting sendoff, even though it was not written with that intention.

Cavill announced his departure from the show in October, coinciding with news of his return as Superman in the DC films. Despite this, Hissrich says that there are no current plans to keep Cavill involved in the "Witcher" universe, either on screen or behind the scenes.

However, the "Witcher" franchise is growing with the upcoming event prequel series "The Witcher: Blood Origin," the anime film "Nightmare of the Wolf," and additional animated projects. Hemsworth, meanwhile, expressed his excitement at taking on the role of Geralt, saying that he is honored to follow in Cavill's footsteps and continue the character's adventures.

The departure of Henry Cavill from the role of Geralt of Rivia in Netflix's "The Witcher" was not initially intended as a send-off for the actor. However, with Liam Hemsworth set to take over the role in season 4, showrunner Lauren Hissrich states that season 3 serves as the most fitting farewell for Cavill. Hissrich cites the fourth book in the Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski, "Time of Contempt," as a major influence for the season, saying that it provided the writers with ample material for a one-to-one adaptation.

Hissrich explains that in season 3, Geralt takes a heroic turn, giving up his neutral stance to rescue Ciri. This, she says, is the most honorable send-off they could have crafted for Cavill's character, even though it wasn't written as such. As for Cavill's future in the Witcher universe, Hissrich states that they haven't considered any roles for him at present, but the possibilities are endless given the expanding world of the franchise, which includes event prequel "The Witcher: Blood Origin" and several animated projects.

Liam Hemsworth, who will be taking over the role of Geralt, expressed his excitement for the opportunity, acknowledging the big boots he has to fill but relishing the chance to step into the world of the Witcher.