In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the fantasy television community, sources close to Netflix are indicating that Liam Hemsworth is very likely to be dropped from his role as Geralt of Rivia in the upcoming fifth and final season of The Witcher. The decision reportedly stems from widespread dissatisfaction with Hemsworth’s debut performance in Season 4, which failed to live up to the high expectations set by his predecessor, Henry Cavill.
Insiders claim that Netflix’s CEO and key directors have placed the blame squarely on Hemsworth, viewing his portrayal as a major factor in the show’s declining fortunes.
Season 4 marked a pivotal—and controversial—shift for the long-running series. After Cavill’s departure following Season 3, Hemsworth stepped into the iconic white-haired monster hunter’s boots amid intense scrutiny from fans loyal to the original star. The transition was never going to be easy. Cavill had embodied Geralt with a brooding intensity, deep gravelly voice, and meticulous attention to the source material from Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and the beloved video games. His exit was already a blow, but many hoped Hemsworth could bring fresh energy to the role.
Instead, the reception has been overwhelmingly lukewarm at best, and outright negative at worst. Critics described Hemsworth’s Geralt as “cautiously not awful” but ultimately “invisible,” with one review noting that the character felt sidelined in his own story, as if the production deliberately minimized his presence to avoid direct comparisons. Others were harsher, calling the performance flat, lacking the physical command and emotional depth that Cavill delivered effortlessly. Hemsworth’s attempt to differentiate the role—opting for a lighter accent and a more restrained approach—backfired for many viewers who found it jarring and unconvincing.
The result? A Geralt who blended into the background rather than dominating the screen as the White Wolf should.
Viewership numbers told an even bleaker story. Season 4 suffered a massive drop compared to previous entries. While earlier seasons routinely pulled in massive hours viewed upon release, the latest installment struggled to maintain momentum, falling short even against newer Netflix originals in the same time slot. Fans flooded social media with complaints, many citing the recasting as the primary reason for tuning out. The once-vibrant online community around The Witcher fractured, with petitions and heated debates dominating forums and comment sections.
Amid this turmoil, Henry Cavill—long a fan favorite and a vocal advocate for staying true to the books—has reportedly broken his silence on the matter. Feeling that the finger-pointing at Hemsworth was unfair and overlooked deeper issues with the show’s direction, writing, and overall creative choices, Cavill issued an official statement defending artistic integrity and calling for a more balanced assessment of what went wrong. Sources say Cavill, who had previously expressed his passion for the character and even offered guidance during the transition, was dismayed to see Hemsworth singled out as the sole scapegoat.
His intervention has reignited discussions about loyalty, accountability in Hollywood, and how streaming giants handle high-profile cast changes.
The internal fallout at Netflix appears to be severe. Executives, under pressure to salvage the franchise’s reputation before its planned conclusion, are said to have convened emergency meetings where Hemsworth’s future was openly debated. Blame has been directed almost entirely at the actor’s shoulders, with little acknowledgment of scripting flaws, production decisions, or the inherent challenges of recasting a role so closely associated with Cavill’s star power. This one-sided narrative has frustrated some within the industry, who argue that no actor could have fully compensated for the pre-existing fan discontent and narrative missteps that plagued Season 4.
For Hemsworth, the situation is particularly tough. The Australian actor, known for roles in major franchises like The Hunger Games, entered The Witcher as a genuine fan of the universe. He had spoken positively about the challenge, expressing excitement at carrying the story forward. Yet the relentless comparisons, combined with the season’s underwhelming performance, have painted him as the fall guy in a much larger production saga. Rumors suggest tensions on set may have contributed, though details remain unconfirmed.
As Netflix prepares to wrap the series with Season 5—already filmed back-to-back with Season 4—the prospect of recasting Geralt again or even altering the finale looms large. Fans are divided: some demand Cavill’s return for a satisfying send-off, while others argue the show should commit to Hemsworth’s version or risk further alienating its audience. Whatever the outcome, the controversy underscores a harsh reality in today’s streaming landscape: audience loyalty is fragile, and replacing a beloved lead can doom even the most established series.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Netflix pulls the trigger on firing Hemsworth or finds a way to course-correct. For now, the Continent feels more divided than ever, with Geralt’s fate hanging in the balance and longtime viewers wondering if the magic of The Witcher can ever be recaptured. In an era where fan service often clashes with creative risks, this saga serves as a cautionary tale about the high stakes of legacy roles and the power of audience expectations.
