As The Witcher season 4 approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the TV show will make the transition from Henry Cavill as Geralt to Liam Hemsworth. Though Cavill has great potential roles lined up after The Witcher, he’ll be missed by audiences who have come to appreciate his portrayal of the iconic book character. However, the casting of Hemsworth is in line with the fact that the series takes liberties with the story in Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. This allows Hemsworth to make the character his own. Additionally, Geralt isn’t the only reason I tune in to the show.

The Witcher season 4’s recast of Geralt doesn’t have to be a setback for the series and can be treated as an exciting way to push the story forward. Though Geralt is the most important character, each season of the show has developed the other individuals in the story, whether they’re Geralt’s allies or enemies. The Witcher season 3 finale kept me on the edge of my seat and set up interesting new story arcs for the main characters in the series. Exploring these plotlines would provide a clear throughline for viewers who are unsure about Hemsworth’s arrival.

The Witcher Season 4’s Geralt Recast Is An Opportunity To Increase The Focus On Ciri

The transition to Liam Hemsworth Geralt would be made easier by Ciri’s story

Freya Allan has faithfully portrayed Ciri for many years, and she’s come to be one of my favorite characters in the show. While Geralt is already a fearsome individual at the beginning of the series, Ciri comes into power throughout the seasons and has become just as compelling as Geralt, if not more. As the princess of Cintra, Ciri has grappled with her desire to rule and reunite the humans and Elves in harmony, creating peace. Her idealistic outlook has been a foil to Geralt’s gruff nature in The Witcher.

However, I think the series will delve into the darker parts of Ciri in season 4. The Witcher season 4 will adapt a key Ciri scene with the Baron of Casadei’s daughter. This will change how many audience members view Ciri and will push her character in new directions. The relationship between Ciri and Geralt is a vital part of the series, and seeing how they interact now that Hemsworth is playing Geralt will be jarring at first. I’m used to the chemistry between Cavill and Allan, so focusing on Ciri’s story and their separation will be a good thing.

Ciri Being The Main Character Of The Witcher Makes Sense After Season 3

The finale of season 3 set her up for exciting changes

Ciri might be The Witcher season 4’s main character because her decision to join The Rats and her anxiety about her vision will put her strength and resolve to the test. Geralt’s main objective in season 4 will be to find Ciri alongside his newfound desire to cast aside his neutrality and participate in the war of the North and Nilfgaard. However, Ciri is on her own journey and likely doesn’t want to be found, considering the magnitude of her decisions at the end of season 3.

It will be quite a long time before Geralt and Ciri are reunited, and this is the perfect chance for the series to lean into Ciri’s development and her role as a secondary protagonist.

The Witcher season 3 chronicled the events in the book Time of Contempt and left off with Ciri giving up her powers and joining The Rats. It will be quite a long time before Geralt and Ciri are reunited, and this is the perfect chance for the series to lean into Ciri’s development and her role as a secondary protagonist. Splitting the format of the show into separate parts that focus on Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer individually means that there could be entire episodes where Geralt is in the background.

Season
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

1
68%
89%

2
95%
54%

3
79%
19%

Following Other Characters Gives Fans A Chance To Adjust To Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt

The Witcher can take the pressure off Hemsworth by utilizing its other characters

There’s a lot riding on Hemsworth’s performance as Geralt, and I’m interested to see how the actor pays tribute to Cavill’s performance while establishing his own portrayal. The recasting of a major character so far into a series can be tricky to deal with for the creators of the show and audiences. However, introducing Hemsworth in increments might ease the adjustment period. I’ll miss Cavill, and it’s true that the show won’t be the same without him, but I’m more interested in Ciri’s narrative at this point in the series.

My guess is that The Witcher won’t try to explain the recasting of Geralt from Cavill to Hemsworth with an in-universe plot point. There might be a throwaway line or joke about his changed appearance, but it’s likely that the series will continue as if nothing’s happened. Spending less time on his story and giving Ciri more screen time at the beginning of season 4 means the show won’t have to dedicate precious moments to unnecessary explanations. Ciri will go through a lot in season 4, but her arc could be exactly what the series needs.