Who is the new Witcher? All you need to know about the actor playing Geralt of Rivia

With news that The Witcher has been renewed for a fourth season and the shock news that Henry Cavill will not return as blonde haired protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, some fans are asking who is the new Witcher?

In a statement posted to Instagram some 10 months ago, Cavill announced his departure and broke the news of his replacement. He wrote, “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."

He went on to announce his successor but some fans appear to have missed hearing who the new suitor for season 4, as we look at all you need to know...

Who is the new Witcher?

The new Witcher was announced as Liam Hemsworth as Henry Cavill announced he would be parting the show after season 3. In announcing who would be taking on the role for season 4, his Instagram post read, "In my stead, the fantastic Mr Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. 

"As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men." 

He warned, "Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”

Who is Liam Hemsworth?

Liam Hemsworth is the younger brother of Chris Hemsworth, who is best known for playing Thor in the Marvel Universe, and has starred in hit blockbusters such as The Hunger Games and Independence Day: Resurgence. More recently, Hemsworth starred alongside Christoph Waltz in the series 'Most Dangerous Game' and will star in Russell Crowe’s upcoming thriller 'Poker Face.'

Some may recognise Liam Hemsworth's name thanks to his previous relationship with singer and Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus, who he first met on the set of the 2010 film, The Last Song. The pair dated on and off for nearly a decade before they got married in December 2018. The marriage did not last long, with the pair calling it quits in August 2019.

Speaking about his new role in the Netflix show, Liam said, "As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia. Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure. 

"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.”

Why has Henry Cavill stepped down from The Witcher?

While no set reason for Henry Cavill's departure from The Witcher has been announced, the actor is in high demand and is likely stepping down due to other filming commitments. The news of him hanging up his Witcher boots came after the internet-breaking announcement that he would be reprising his iconic role as Superman in the DC Universe, a role that may have prompted his departure from the Netflix show with many fans asking why did Henry Cavill leave The Witcher?

Most recently, Henry Cavill has starred alongside Millie Bobby Brown, of Stranger Things fame, in Enola Holmes 2 which releases on Netflix on the 4th of November this year, and has also signed on to Guy Ritchie's upcoming project The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Cavill has starred as the brooding blonde-haired monster hunter, Geralt of Rivia on The Witcher since the Netflix series first debuted back in December 2019. He will still star in the show’s upcoming third season but it will be the actor’s last. 

When will season three of The Witcher be released? 

Season 3 of Netflix's The Witcher was released on Netflix on 29th June 2023, with five new episodes and a further five followed on 27th July. The show's renewal was announced at Netflix’s Tudum event, an event for Netflix fans, as well as in social media post that cryptically told fans, ‘The Time of Contempt is night.’

A plot summary shared by Netflix summed up the third season by saying, "As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri of Cintra into hiding, determined to protect his newly reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it.

"Entrusted with Ciri’s magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where she hopes to discover more about the girl’s untapped powers; instead, they discover they’ve landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery. 

"They must fight back, put everything on the line – or risk losing each other forever."

Fans of the show have been able to get their fix of mythical monsters and mischievous magic with last years' release of a prequel miniseries, The Witcher: Blood Origin. 

And if you've not yet streamed them all, look away as here's The Witcher 3 ending explained but be warned there are spoilers!