The Witcher Fans Lament Henry Cavill Leaving Geralt For Superman

Following the announcement of his departure, The Witcher fans are expressing their sadness over Henry Cavill leaving the role of Geralt for Superman. The series, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels of the same name, premiered on Netflix back in 2019 and quickly became one of the streaming platform’s most successful projects to date. Set on the fictional landmass known as the Continent, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter with supernatural abilities, who fights to protect Princess Ciri of Cintra from malevolent forces. In addition to Cavill, the show stars Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra, Eamon Farren, Joey Batey, Anna Shaffer, Royce Pierreson, and Kim Bodnia, among others.

Cavill’s commitment to the role of Geralt has been praised by audiences and longtime fans of the source material, and the shocking news of his departure has left many upset. The actor took to social media on October 29 to share that he will be leaving The Witcher after season 3, and that in light of its renewal, Liam Hemsworth would be « taking up the mantle » of Geralt from there on out. Speculation surrounding Cavill’s exit began to circulate shortly after the news broke, with many believing the decision was due to his recent return as Superman in the DC Extended Universe. With roles in other large film productions, such as the upcoming spy thriller Argylle and Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare, he might also be too busy.

Fans of The Witcher have continued to lament Henry Cavill’s decision online, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. Responses have varied, though it seems like no one is ready to say goodbye to his depiction of Geralt yet, and some wish he had not chosen to return to Superman at all. Check out some fan tweets regarding the news of Cavill’s departure above:

Can Liam Hemsworth Live Up To Cavill’s Geralt?

It is worth noting that Hemsworth has starred in popular blockbusters like The Hunger Games and Independence Day: Resurgence, so he is familiar with inhabiting large worlds, as well as the fandoms the come with them. He has also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Quibi’s Most Dangerous Game adaptation in 2020. Whether he proves to be the right replacement remains to be seen, but his response to landing the role of Geralt should help combat some of the negative reactions surrounding Cavill’s exit. In a statement shared online, the actor revealed that he is a fan of The Witcher, and that he is grateful to be taking on the part.

Audiences will likely be skeptical over the recasting, but if Hemsworth stays as committed to the role as his predecessor, he could prove to be a worthy successor to Cavill. Not much is known about The Witcher season 3, though it will be interesting to see how it sets the stage for the actor’s involvement. With such an ardent fanbase behind it, it is understandable that many would be upset over Cavill’s departure, but viewers can still look forward to one more season with him when The Witcher returns to Netflix in 2023.

Henry Cavill has done what no other could do.Geralt united the Witcher fandom at last. pic.twitter.com/iReEpb5im1— Kaer Moron \ud83d\udc3a\u2694\ufe0f\u2620\ufe0f (@IsaAfterDark) October 29, 2022

No offense to Liam Hemsworth but I gotta agree not sure I have any interest in a Witcher Series without Henry CavillHe was perfect in the role. Huge bummer he's leaving pic.twitter.com/1xsR2TnLiH— Benji-Sales (@BenjiSales) October 29, 2022

No disrespect to Hemsworth. But this is very disappointing news. Henry Cavill is a great Geralt because he understands and brings to life a character who is often perplexing. https://t.co/mmdIJI1TyG— kinfolklorepod (@kinfolklorepod) October 29, 2022

You think Henry would pick Geralt just to please his 10 fans over Superman who is loved globally? Be serious. https://t.co/3K8fqDIDvV— Kay (@TheLameKay) October 29, 2022

Henry Cavill has been replaced as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher by Liam HemsworthJaskier be like pic.twitter.com/pUK4F1SewX— Rachael is meeting Jamie CB at LFCC Winter Con! (@TheBendySlow) October 29, 2022

This pretty much sums up my reaction to Henry’s post. I was not expecting that. I will not judge and I wish him well but am sad to see him end his involvement with my favourite character of his\ud83d\udc94 It won’t be the same for me without Henry as #Geralt\ud83d\udda4\ud83d\udc3a\u2694\ufe0f#henrycavill #thewitcher pic.twitter.com/2fGaVaAqEE— Fictional Photos \u2694\ufe0f\ud83d\udc3a\ud83d\udda4 (@FictionalPhotos) October 29, 2022

Yeesh this is hard news to swallow. I trust they had their reasons to pick Hemsworth but Henry Cavill will leave really big shoes to fill, he was pitch perfect as Geralt and the backbone of one of my favorite shows.\ud83d\udc94 https://t.co/pEVr05YvNi— Sydney\ud83d\ude80 (@sydthekid2430) October 29, 2022

With this news I'm out after season 3 of #TheWitcher.The show has already made some strange choices straying from the books but Henry was my reason to keep watching.He IS Geralt.Why not just focus the show on a different Witcher and leave the door open for a Cavill return? pic.twitter.com/7tIlw8hSVK— Aaron S Bailey \ud83d\ude80\u26a1 (@AaronBaileyArt) October 29, 2022

I did not need Superman at the sacrifice of Geralt.I'm gonna go cry now. https://t.co/NiidgDoG42— Kate Sánchez\u2077 (@OhMyMithrandir) October 29, 2022

Unless Liam Hemsworth has serious charm and acting chops that have not yet manifested on screen, Henry Cavill > Liam Hemsworth as Geralt is one of the biggest downgrade recastings I've ever heard of— ViewerAnon (@ViewerAnon) October 29, 2022