Let’s just rip the bandage off: Henry Cavill is not in The Witcher Season 4.
I know, it’s a lot to process, even now. We’ve had years to sit with the news, but seeing the actual episodes drop on Netflix without that signature gravelly voice? It hits different. If you’ve been scouring the internet hoping for a secret cameo or a "just kidding" moment from the showrunners, I’ve got some bad news. The medallion and those iconic silver swords have officially been handed over to Liam Hemsworth.
Honestly, the transition has been one of the most talked-about events in TV history. It's rare for a show to swap out its literal face mid-run, especially when that face belongs to a guy who lived and breathed the source material.
Why isn't Henry Cavill in The Witcher Season 4?
The "why" is complicated. You’ve probably heard a dozen rumors, from scheduling conflicts with Superman (which, ironically, didn't even happen) to behind-the-scenes drama. While Cavill himself has stayed mostly diplomatic, the general consensus points toward creative differences.
Cavill is a massive nerd. I say that with the utmost respect. He famously pushed the writers to stay closer to Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. He wanted a Geralt who was more intellectual, more talkative, and less of a "grunt and F-bomb" machine. On the other side, the writing team clearly wanted to take the show in its own direction. When those two visions collided for three seasons, something eventually had to give.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich recently called it a "symbiotic decision," suggesting that Cavill had other projects he wanted to commit to. And let’s be real, he’s been busy. Between Enola Holmes 3, his upcoming Warhammer 40,000 universe at Amazon, and the Highlander reboot, his plate is overflowing.
Liam Hemsworth: The New White Wolf
So, how does the new guy hold up? Season 4 premiered on October 30, 2025, and the reaction has been... well, mixed is a polite way to put it.
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Liam Hemsworth definitely puts in the work. You can tell he’s been training—his swordplay is crisp, and he captures that "lonely monster hunter" vibe well enough. But for many fans, it’s like your favorite band replacing their lead singer. The songs are the same, but the soul feels a bit off.
What critics and fans are saying:
- The Rotten Tomatoes Split: Critics gave Season 4 a decent 61%, but the audience score plummeted to a dismal 20%.
- The Vibe Shift: Some viewers feel Hemsworth is a bit too "gentle" or "smiley" compared to Cavill’s brooding intensity.
- The Narrative "Fix": The writers tried to explain the change in appearance using the show's lore. Without spoiling too much, they leaned into the idea that the "Geralt" we see is a product of how legends are told and retold. It's a clever meta-commentary, but it didn't land for everyone.
Will Cavill ever come back?
As of right now, there are no plans for Henry Cavill to return. Netflix has already renewed the show for a fifth and final season, which is being filmed back-to-back with Season 4. This is the Liam Hemsworth era now.
Could there be a multiverse-style cameo in the series finale? In the world of The Witcher, anything is technically possible with enough magic and portals, but don't hold your breath. Cavill has moved on to executive producing his own stories where he has "his hand on the tiller," particularly with the Warhammer project.
What to watch next if you miss Cavill
If you're skipping Season 4 because it doesn't feel right without Henry, you aren't alone. But if you need your Cavill fix or more Witcher lore, here’s what’s actually happening in 2026:
- Enola Holmes 3: Cavill returns as Sherlock Holmes on Netflix later this year. It’s a different vibe—more polished, less muddy—but his performance is top-tier.
- The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep: If you just miss Geralt and don't care about the face, check out this animated film. Doug Cockle, the voice from the video games, voices Geralt here. It feels like a warm hug for long-time fans.
- Warhammer 40,000: It’s still in early development at Amazon MGM, but this is Cavill’s true passion project. It’s likely to be his next big franchise.
Basically, the era of Cavill’s Geralt is over. It’s okay to be bummed about it. You can appreciate what he built while still giving Hemsworth a fair shake—or just stick to rewatching the first three seasons and calling it a day.
If you want to keep up with the new season, your best bet is to dive into the Baptism of Fire novel by Sapkowski first. It'll give you a much better sense of why the story is moving the way it is, regardless of who's wearing the wig.
Next Steps
If you're looking for more details on Cavill's new projects, you should check out the latest production updates on the Warhammer 40k series or the Highlander reboot, both of which are expected to start filming significant portions this year.