The new Geralt of Rivia is here, but not everyone is pleased. As Netflix gears up for the release of The Witcher season four, fans are already voicing outrage after a leaked clip featuring Liam Hemsworth’s portrayal of the monster hunter ignited backlash across social media.
The Trailer That Stirred the Cauldron
Netflix dropped the first trailer for season four earlier this week, giving viewers their first real look at Liam Hemsworth stepping into the armor once worn by Henry Cavill. The moment should have built excitement for the show’s October 30 premiere. Instead, it sparked controversy after a short scene began circulating online.
In the viral TikTok clip shared by user @JbroAlsoDraws, Hemsworth’s Geralt is seen shouting, “Let’s f****** go!” The brief outburst, while not unusual for a gritty fantasy hero, hit fans the wrong way.
Many longtime followers felt the delivery sounded too modern and out of character for Geralt. Comments under the clip were flooded with criticism. One fan wrote, “Geralt would never say this.” Another added, “That is NOT Geralt!” Others went further, calling for Netflix to “cancel the whole thing.”
Fans Struggle to Accept the Change
Ever since Henry Cavill’s exit was announced in 2022, fans of The Witcher have debated whether the series could survive without him. Cavill’s portrayal was widely praised for staying close to the character’s roots in Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and the CD Projekt RED video games.
The handover to Hemsworth, best known for The Hunger Games franchise, has faced skepticism from the start. For many viewers, Cavill’s deep understanding of the lore made his Geralt authentic and grounded, while Hemsworth is still seen as the outsider.
To his credit, Hemsworth reportedly studied the original books to prepare for the role. Production insiders claim he has worked closely with the show’s dialect and fight coordinators to refine Geralt’s gravelly voice and combat style. Still, a single line in a 10-second clip has been enough to reignite doubts.
A Divide Between Casual Viewers and Lore Purists
The backlash reveals a growing divide between casual fans and dedicated lore enthusiasts. While some viewers simply want an entertaining fantasy series, others hold The Witcher to higher standards of accuracy and tone.
Since season one’s debut in 2019, the Netflix adaptation has walked a fine line between appealing to mainstream audiences and satisfying fans of Sapkowski’s complex world. Many argue that balance has shifted over time.
A quick look at fan forums shows a recurring complaint: “The writing lost the soul of the books.” Critics say the series drifted from its source material, focusing more on spectacle than subtle storytelling. Cavill himself reportedly clashed with showrunners over script deviations, fueling speculation that creative disagreements pushed him to leave.
The Burden of Expectations
Replacing a fan-favorite actor is never easy. Liam Hemsworth now carries the weight of rebuilding trust among a skeptical fan base. Some supporters have urged patience, arguing that a single clip shouldn’t define an entire season.
“I’ll give him a chance,” one Reddit user posted. “He might surprise us.” Others echo that sentiment, reminding fans that even Cavill’s Geralt faced early doubts before winning people over.
Netflix executives remain confident in the direction of the show. Internal reports suggest that season four will emphasize character depth and political intrigue, moving away from the disjointed timelines that confused some viewers in earlier seasons.
Here’s a look at what’s expected in season four:
Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer navigate separate paths after the events of season three.
The Continent faces a growing war between Nilfgaard and the Northern Kingdoms.
Themes of identity, destiny, and betrayal take center stage.
How the Controversy Could Impact Netflix
While fan frustration is loud online, it doesn’t always translate to canceled subscriptions. Netflix has weathered similar storms before, including backlash against The Witcher: Blood Origin and Cowboy Bebop.
Analysts note that outrage can sometimes boost curiosity. “Controversy drives engagement,” says TV industry consultant Laura Park. “Even negative buzz brings attention, and Netflix knows that.”
Still, the streamer faces a balancing act. Too much deviation from the original tone could alienate loyal viewers. Too little innovation could make the series feel stale. For Hemsworth, the challenge will be convincing audiences that his Geralt is more than a recast—he’s a fresh take worth watching.
The Road to Redemption
As the October 30 release date approaches, Netflix is expected to roll out more promotional clips and behind-the-scenes footage to win over skeptics. Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has hinted that the season will delve deeper into Geralt’s emotional core, exploring his humanity beneath the monster-slayer exterior.
If done right, that could give Hemsworth the opportunity to put his own stamp on the role. Whether fans accept that evolution remains to be seen.
For now, the fandom is divided—some ready to embrace a new White Wolf, others determined to hold onto Cavill’s legacy. But one thing is certain: when The Witcher returns, all eyes will be on Liam Hemsworth.
The question is, can he silence the critics, or will the legend of Geralt fade with the change of face?
Netflix’s The Witcher season four premieres worldwide on October 30, 2025.
