The Witcher series renewed for fifth and final season by Netflix

Future plans for The Witcher have been confirmed after a huge recasting

In an announcement revealing that the series had been renewed for a fifth season, the streaming platform also confirmed that this would be the last season.

Netflix also confirmed that season 4 of The Witcher has started production. This will be the first season of the show to feature Liam Hemsworth as the lead character Geralt of Rivia.

Henry Cavill had starred as Geralt in the first three seasons of the show, but Netflix announced in October 2022 that the English actor would be departing the show.

A post from the official Witcher account reads: "It's official, The Witcher season 4 is in production. But that's not all, we're already planning season 5, which will be the final season and bring this epic show to a fitting conclusion. See you on The Continent."

Netflix also released a short video of a table read for season 4, which gave fans their first glimpse at how Hemsworth will play the role of Geralt.

Other cast members featured in the video, including Anya Chalotra as the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Geralt’s ward Ciri and Joey Batey as Jaskier the bard, Cassie Clare as the witch Philippa Eilhart and Mahesh Jadu as the mage Vilgefortz of Roggeveen.

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.

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.

A release date has yet to be announced for season 4.

Announcing his departure from the series in a statement, 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.”

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