He loved playing the video game though
Liam Hemsworth hadn’t read The Witcher books or seen the Netflix series before he was cast as the main character in the show.
Earlier this year, Netflix confirmed season four of The Witcher was in production. This will be the first season of the hit fantasy show to feature Liam Hemsworth as main character Geralt of Rivia, after he replaced Henry Cavill in the role.
Based on the book saga of the same name by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher debuted on Netflix in 2019 and has gone on to become one of its most successful shows.
But Hemsworth has revealed he hadn’t read the books or watched the Netflix show before being cast as Geralt, and instead discovered his love for the franchise through video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Speaking on Live With Killy and Mark, he said: “I hadn’t seen the TV show and I hadn’t read the books but I played the video game like ten years ago or something.
“It’s still, to this day, one of the best video games of all time, and Netflix came to me almost two years ago now and said that they wanted me to step in and take over, and I was really excited by taking on that character because I was a fan of the video game.”
Hemsworth didn’t immediately accept the role, instead choosing to learn more about the world of The Witcher beyond just the video game.
“I said, ‘let me watch the TV show and have a look at the books and really get stuck into it,'” he recalled.
Netflix confirmed in November 2022 that Cavill would be leaving The Witcher after three seasons in the show.
His departure was a shock to fans and a specific reason for the recast was never given. The actor had previously spoken about his commitment to the role long term, and became emotional when he bid farewell to his co-stars last year, all suggesting that it wasn’t his call to leave the show.
In a statement following the news of his departure from the series, Cavill said: “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 4. 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.”
Hemsworth said: “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 honored 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.”
Seasons 4 and 5 will cover Sapkowski’s three remaining Witcher novels: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lake.
Netflix has also confirmed that the show will come to an end after season 5.
