The Witcher is one of Netflix’s most successful franchises in recent years – and in the United Kingdom it has developed an especially loyal following. After three seasons with Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, the series undergoes a dramatic change. From the fourth season onwards, Australian actor Liam Hemsworth, best known from The Hunger Games, will take on the mantle of the monster hunter. The first trailer has already sparked heated debate among British fans. While some welcome a fresh take, many lament the loss of Cavill – a homegrown British star. The fourth season will premiere on 30 October 2025, streaming simultaneously in the UK, as reported by The WP Times, citing the Netflix.
First trailer with Liam Hemsworth
The 90-second teaser showcases Geralt in a fierce battle with a ghostly creature. Hemsworth, donning the iconic white wig and sword, appears in fast-paced, action-heavy sequences, underscoring Netflix’s commitment to spectacle. What stands out is his more expressive, emotional approach compared with Cavill’s colder, stoic version. Among UK viewers, reactions were mixed: excitement from those open to change, criticism from those deeply attached to Cavill’s portrayal.
Top fan reactions in the UK:
- enthusiasm for Hemsworth’s fresh energy,
- frustration over Cavill’s departure,
- hopes for greater fidelity to Andrzej Sapkowski’s books,
- scepticism about Netflix’s creative direction,
- cautious praise for the action choreography.
Henry Cavill: a British star leaves the role
For British audiences, Henry Cavill was more than just Geralt – he was a national treasure. Known for roles in Superman and Mission: Impossible, his casting lent The Witcher prestige and authenticity. Cavill openly described himself as a fan of the books and CD Projekt Red’s games, which won over gamers and readers alike in the UK. His announcement in 2022 that he would leave after season three triggered disappointment across British media and fan forums. For many, Cavill’s British identity reinforced the UK’s connection to the franchise, making his departure even more painful.
Why Cavill was key for UK fans:
- A British actor in a global fantasy hit,
- Gamer credentials resonating with the UK’s huge gaming community,
- Physical authenticity and charisma,
- Familiarity from blockbuster films,
- Perception as a loyal ambassador for the source material.
Geralt as a character and cultural icon
Geralt of Rivia is a complex hero: a mutant monster hunter torn between humanity and otherness, cynicism and loyalty, solitude and responsibility. For UK audiences, his moral struggles mirror the darker tone of European fantasy, distinct from Hollywood-style heroism. Hemsworth’s interpretation, as hinted in the trailer, could bring more overt emotionality to the role. The challenge will be convincing a British fanbase accustomed to Cavill’s nuanced, understated style.
Geralt’s defining traits:
- master swordsman and alchemist,
- loner bound by his own code,
- cynical but deeply loyal,
- conflicted between mutation and humanity,
- symbol of modern European fantasy.
Liam Hemsworth’s acting career
Liam Hemsworth is already known to UK audiences for his role as Gale in The Hunger Games, a series that was hugely popular in Britain. He also appeared in action and thriller films such as Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). Compared with Cavill’s longer career in major franchises, Hemsworth has a shorter track record, but critics argue this may be an advantage: he brings a less rigid style, potentially allowing him to reinvent Geralt for a new era.
Selected Hemsworth roles:
- The Hunger Games (2012–2015),
- Independence Day: Resurgence (2016),
- The Duel (2016),
- Killerman (2019).
Cast and filming in Central Europe
Alongside Hemsworth, returning actors include Freya Allan (Ciri), Anya Chalotra (Yennefer), Joey Batey (Jaskier/Dandelion), and Mahesh Jadu (Vilgefortz). Netflix confirmed that filming continued across Central Europe, notably in Hungary and Poland – a detail that British fans see as vital for maintaining Sapkowski’s Slavic-inspired atmosphere. The locations also highlight Netflix’s strategy to keep The Witcher rooted in its European context.
| Character | Actor/Actress | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Geralt | Liam Hemsworth | The Hunger Games |
| Ciri | Freya Allan | Into the Badlands |
| Yennefer | Anya Chalotra | Wanderlust |
| Jaskier | Joey Batey | Knightfall |
| Vilgefortz | Mahesh Jadu | Marco Polo |
UK release and Netflix subscriptions
The fourth season will drop on 30 October 2025, with all episodes available immediately for UK subscribers. Netflix UK, one of the platform’s strongest European markets, offers several subscription tiers:
- Standard with ads: £4.99/month,
- Standard (HD, 2 devices): £10.99/month,
- Premium (Ultra-HD/4K, 4 devices): £17.99/month.
Additional fact: The Witcher was among the most-watched shows on Netflix UK in 2019, with millions tuning in within the first weeks. British gamers, already invested in CD Projekt Red’s titles, significantly boosted its popularity, turning it into a mainstream cultural event.
Reactions from British fans and the show’s future
British fan communities remain divided. Forums such as Reddit UK, Twitter/X and film sites like Empire highlight nostalgia for Cavill but also curiosity about Hemsworth’s approach. The main criticism is directed at Netflix’s adaptation choices, accused of straying too far from the books. However, there is also cautious optimism: if season four can balance action and source fidelity, UK audiences may embrace the new Geralt. Netflix has already confirmed a fifth season to conclude the main storyline.
Most common UK fan reactions:
- sadness over Cavill’s exit,
- concerns about script quality,
- scepticism towards Netflix’s adaptation strategy,
- hope for a stronger literary connection,
- excitement ahead of the UK premiere.
Why Cavill’s British identity matters for UK fans
For many British fans, Henry Cavill was more than just the lead in a Netflix fantasy hit – he was a local hero. Born in Jersey and trained in the UK, Cavill embodied a sense of national pride when he took on Geralt, a character rooted in European mythology but popularised worldwide. His attachment to British culture and his down-to-earth persona in interviews made audiences feel represented on the global stage. In an era when Hollywood dominates fantasy storytelling, Cavill’s presence reinforced the idea that the UK could deliver world-class fantasy talent. Losing him means losing not only a strong performer but also a symbolic link between the franchise and Britain.
Why Cavill resonated so strongly in Britain:
- a British actor leading a global Netflix franchise,
- proud connection to UK media and gaming culture,
- positive role model with humble public image,
- cultural bridge between Sapkowski’s European roots and the British audience,
- reinforcement of Britain’s role as a hub for fantasy storytelling.
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