Netflix seems to be facing a challenging situation as the third season of The Witcher is receiving limited attention and feedback, with fans appearing to lose interest. The initial excitement that accompanied Season 1 and the subsequent disappointment following Season 2 has seemingly waned. A significant factor contributing to this decline is the dissatisfaction surrounding the writing and alterations made to the source material in the second season. However, the situation took a further downturn with the announcement that Henry Cavill, the show’s lead, would depart after Season 3, to be replaced by Liam Hemsworth. Well, it seems, Netflix’s recent attempt to generate buzz for the newest season of The Witcher has been met with backlash, especially from devoted Henry Cavill fans.
Fans Express Disappointment as Liam Hemsworth Takes Over The Role of Geralt
A glance at the most recent updates on the official Twitter account of the show reveals a collection of marketing materials highlighting Henry Cavill‘s prominent role in the latest season. These advertisements include captivating light displays projected onto renowned landmarks, effectively promoting The Witcher series while emphasizing Cavill’s continued presence. The message “Yes, he is still Geralt in season 3” is prominently displayed on billboards worldwide, symbolizing the unique position the show currently holds. Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt has earned him immense
adoration, catapulting him to fame on the big screen. It’s evident that Cavill, along with his co-stars Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, and Joey Batey, has become an integral part of the show’s appeal, solidifying their status as central figures in its success.
View this post on Instagram
However, the reality is that Cavill is no longer core to the show. Following his departure at the tail end of 2022, a lot of energy has been expended reassuring fans and hyping up Liam Hemsworth. However, considering that the first part of the show’s third season is already released, it seems appropriate to allocate more resources toward gradually transitioning Cavill out of the spotlight in a respectful manner. There was also a widespread perception of shadiness surrounding the handling of Henry’s replacement, leading many social media users to criticize the situation as disrespectful toward Liam and even accusing the company of throwing him under the bus.
What Do The Fans Say About The Witcher Season Promos?
Fans of The Witcher were deeply saddened when Henry Cavill announced his departure from the role of Geralt of Rivia, and it was revealed that The Hunger Games star, Liam Hemsworth would be taking over the character for the show’s fourth season. Netflix has employed a controversial marketing approach to maintaining its position on the most-watched charts, aiming to attract viewers who may have been deterred by recent news coverage.
Fans are expressing discontent after Netflix’s recent post emphasizing that Henry Cavill remains a prominent part of the show. This reinforces the ongoing discussion that viewers might discontinue watching once Cavill departs, and it is likely to increase Liam Hemsworth’s anxiety as he prepares to take on the role in Season 4. Critics have described the strategy “pathetic”, and labeled the decision as “embarrassing as h*ll”, adding:
“All this does is tell people you have no faith in your recasting. Makes me feel bad for Liam Hemsworth. He’s in an impossible situation.”
It is uncertain whether Henry’s departure from the show will have a favorable or unfavorable effect, as new episodes, are still being released in the following weeks. Regardless, we can only hope that Hemsworth receives greater appreciation when he takes on his new role.
Hemsworth expressed his immense excitement about stepping into the shoes of Geralt as he confirmed his takeover of the iconic Witcher character. Liam extended his admiration to Cavill and said,
“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.”
The Witcher Season 3 starring Henry Cavill is streaming on Netflix.
Source: Cinemablend