Henry Cavill, announced his departure from “The Witcher” in October 2022.
In his statement, he expressed, “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.”
Cavill’s role as Geralt is set to be taken over by Liam Hemsworth, with Cavill noting, “Liam will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. I pass the torch with reverence for embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”
What’s the reason behind it? We don’t know. That’s the only true answer, but speculations are below.
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The Superman Factor
Henry Cavill’s desire to return as Superman was a significant factor in his decision to leave “The Witcher.” While filming the series, he often spoke about his eagerness to reprise the Superman role, which held great personal importance to him.
Faced with the prospect of shooting back-to-back seasons (4 and 5) of “The Witcher,” Cavill was concerned about the commitment restricting his availability for film roles, especially as the opportunity to play Superman again emerged.
This potential return to the Superman role likely influenced his need for a more flexible schedule to accommodate movie projects.
Check out: Is Henry Cavill Set to Swap His Superman Cape for a Marvel Suit?
Creative Differences with The Witcher Team
One theory for Henry Cavill’s departure is his disagreement with the showrunner over not faithfully following the source material. However, a more practical reason might have influenced his decision.
Cavill’s contract was for three seasons, and starting from the fourth season, the show’s focus was set to shift more towards the character Ciri, rather than Geralt.
As an A-list actor, Cavill likely sought roles that offered more prominence. The reduced focus on his character in future seasons could have been a key factor in his decision to leave the series.
Salary
With the success of “The Witcher,” it’s expected that the salary for a lead actor like Cavill would increase significantly in Season 4. As an established A-list actor, Cavill’s continued involvement in the series would likely come with a substantial rise in compensation.
This financial aspect, combined with the shift in focus away from his character and his interest in other roles, such as Superman, might have contributed to his decision to leave the show after fulfilling his initial three-season contract.
Henry Cavill played Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher” since the show started. Known for his work in action and fantasy roles, Cavill brought Geralt to life with a mix of toughness and depth. The show, based on books and video games, became a hit.
Cavill’s portrayal was a big part of its success. Fans liked how he captured Geralt’s personality, making the character popular but In light of everything, his exit can be seen as a strategic career move.
With the show’s direction and quality possibly not meeting his standards and his character’s diminishing focus, Cavill likely chose to explore roles more aligned with his aspirations. His commitment to his craft, not just the paycheck, suggests a desire for roles in potentially great projects.
This mindset could explain why he wouldn’t commit to more seasons of a show that, in his view, might not achieve greatness. Cavill’s decision seems to be about pursuing excellence and maintaining a high standard in his career choices.
More: Henry Cavill’s Upcoming Projects After ‘The Witcher’ Season 3
