The Witcher Season 4 (2025) Review: Glad They Cast a Right Actor

It’s a shame that Henry Cavill didn’t return for The Witcher Season 4, citing disagreements over the script and character development. Despite the changes between the series and the novels, the eight episodes on Netflix were not disappointing.

The success of The Witcher Season 4, following Henry Cavill’s departure, is inseparable from the production company involved. Netflix and Hivemind Entertainment chose the right actor to replace the long-time Geralt of Rivia, leaving fans unsatisfied.

There’s no doubt that The Witcher Season 4 is the best season yet, even though Henry Cavill is no longer the main attraction. The acting, fight choreography, storyline, and plot twists are all enjoyable for at least 50 minutes.

Liam Hemsworth was chosen to replace Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher Season 4. Many fans of the books, video games, and previous seasons doubted Liam’s ability to carry on this iconic character.

After watching this full season, fans can now compare Geralt’s abilities to Thor’s. Liam successfully portrayed Geralt, meeting fan expectations and matching the Superman actor’s memorable performance.

This fourth season may be confusing for many viewers, so rewatching the previous three seasons is recommended. The story still focuses on the three main characters, Geralt (Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), and Ciri (Freya Allan), who are now separated and facing their own conflicts.

Geralt returns to his journey with his entourage, including Jaskier (Joey Batey), Cahir (Eamon Farren), Yarpen (Jeremy Crawford), Zoltan (Danny Woodburn), Percival (Linden Porco), and Milva (Meng’er Zhang), to reunite with Ciri, who turns out to be his adopted daughter. It must have felt awkward to show different faces while still playing the same character.

However, Liam has succeeded from the first episode, showcasing the same Geralt character as his previous roles. He appears as a stern knight, stiff in socializing, a closed person but loyal to his friends and that is what the audience wants.

Meanwhile, Yennefer is elsewhere, busy gathering allies to prepare to fight Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu), who is also targeting Ciri. Unlike Geralt, who has been cast in a different role, viewers don’t have to adjust to seeing Yennefer, who has already appeared in the previous three seasons.

Ciri, meanwhile, is also in a different location and has instead joined a group of teenage thieves who rob rich people. This leads her to be swept up in the adolescent struggle of finding her identity as a ruthless fighter or a kind woman while still with Geralt.

Whatever the reason for Cavill’s departure from the series, it’s certainly a shame, not only because he’s leaving the role that catapulted him to fame, but also because he’s not continuing the popularity of this fictional story. The story, plot twists, and character development are undeniably disappointing.

Although there are changes to the script for the book and video game versions, this fourth season doesn’t seem to have had a significant impact. Considering the numerous story branches that need to be told, adjustments must be made and executed well.

Liam not only delivered a brilliant performance as Geralt but also answered any doubts about whether he could break the curse and bad reputation of video game adaptations for the big screen. Furthermore, his reputation is only known through the Hunger Games franchise, so the burden on him is undoubtedly even heavier.

Jaskier also undergoes a transformation this season, becoming more than just the singer of his group. He develops emotionally, becoming a barrier for Geralt, preventing him from exceeding his combat abilities, becoming the main character’s sidekick.

Jaskier’s role alongside Milva is key to Geralt’s group, not only in the tense battle scenes but also in the friendship between them. However, no other new character appears as captivating as Emil Regis (Lawrance Fishburn).

Regis’s mysterious character initially makes viewers who haven’t played the games or read the books skeptical. After learning about this new character’s past, viewers immediately fall in love with him and feel sympathy for him.

Fishburn’s acting, already a veteran actor, undoubtedly builds chemistry with Liam in numerous scenes within a short time. His presence isn’t just as a new member providing dialogue, but also as a doctor and helping explore the world of monsters in The Witcher.

The series’ drawback, aside from its excellent cast, is its rather complex storyline. Some viewers may be a bit distracted by the overall conflict, focusing solely on Geralt’s goal of meeting Ciri and Yennefer, who want to defeat Vilgefortz.

Meanwhile, the issue of Ciri’s marriage to Emhyr, particularly in this season, seems less of a major issue, as the two rarely see each other until the conclusion of the episode.

With eight episodes, this series can be finished in one, or at most two, days before having to wait for the next season.

7.5/10