4 actors who should have replaced Henry Cavill in The Witcher

We might not yet know when The Witcher season 4 will arrive on Netflix, but what we do know is that whenever the new season arrives Geralt is going to look quite different.

After three seasons in the role, Henry Cavill has officially departed the show with his final episodes having dropped with the release of the second part of season 3. It remains unclear why Cavill chose to leave the show, but with Cavill walking away and Netflix looking to continue the franchise a recast was needed.

Enter Liam Hemsworth.

The Hunger Games actor is set to step into the role for the show’s upcoming fourth season, replacing Cavill in the title role in one of the most high-profile recasts in recent years. While there is no doubt that Hemsworth will bring his own unique spin to the character and we’re keeping an open mind about his casting, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a few ideas about who could have been better suited to play the character.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Theo James attends the AFI Awards at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 13, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)

1. Theo James

Okay, we know that Theo James is no stranger to The Witcher franchise having voiced Young Vesemir in a one-off episode back in season 1 and he even voiced Vesemir in the animated film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, but that actually would have made him a perfect selection to replace Cavill.

Given we haven’t seen James on-screen in any capacity, he could have effortlessly eased into the role. James is familiar with the franchise already and knows the lore. He could come into the role with a knowledge that could help him do Geralt justice and has already proven himself to be an amazing addition to the franchise.

As anyone who has been following his career knows, James is an incredible performer and brings an unmatched depth to his performances. He’d have absolutely made the role of Geralt his own and done the character proud in picking up where Cavill left off.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Sebastian Stan attends the 2022 LACMA ART+FILM GALA Presented By Gucci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for LACMA)

2. Sebastian Stan

He’s a fun fact, Sebastian Stan almost joined The Witcher way back in 2018 before the show’s first season had debuted on Netflix. According to rumors, Stan auditioned for the show with many speculating he went out for the role of Geralt’s brother, Eskel — a role that ultimately went to Basil Eidenbenz. Geralt might not have been on Stan’s radar back in the day, but we have to admit he would have been a perfect selection to take over the role from Cavill.

We’ve seen that Stan has the ability to fully immerse himself into a character and to convey the complex emotions that are needed to capture Geralt’s essence. We also know he has the physicality to take on such a physically demanding and would have no trouble filling out the character’s shoes.

It also should be said that Stan has a sizable fan base which could have helped bring Marvel fans to the show and given them a reason to check the show out.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 12: Chris Hemsworth attends the Netflix’s “Extraction 2” New York premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on June 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

3. Chris Hemsworth

Let’s all be honest, if someone told us two years ago that a Hemsworth would be taking over the role of Geralt on The Witcher it’s likely our mind would have gone right to Chris Hemsworth… and for good reason. While both Chris and Liam are amazing actors, there is no denying that between the two Chris is often the Hemsworth that holds the biggest place in fans’ hearts.

Chris has a standing history with Netflix having previously starred in two Extraction films and we know he can carry a franchise on his back. If the Extraction movies weren’t proof enough, just look to his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Chris has a magnetic energy that would make him a perfect selection to play Geralt and yes, if there is anyone who can match Superman’s imposing figure it’s the man who played Thor.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Henry Cavill attends “The Witcher” Season 3 UK Premiere at The Now Building at Outernet London on June 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

4. No One

Let’s make one thing clear, Henry Cavill was perfectly cast in the role of Geralt. Across his three seasons on the show, he was an absolute standout in the title role and is what drew many to the show over the years.

Beyond perfectly embodying the character both in look and spirit, Cavill is a major fan of the source material and is incredibly protective of the character. From Day 1, he’s been adamant about honoring the legacy of the book and the character that so many fans love just as much.

He’s given everything to the role and it’s a true shame that his time on The Witcher is coming to a close.