The highly anticipated fourth season of The Witcher premiered on October 25, 2023, on Netflix, but early reactions from fans and critics indicate disappointment. The new season, which features Liam Hemsworth stepping into the role of Geralt of Rivia after Henry Cavill’s departure, currently holds a dismal 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This significant drop has sparked intense discussions among the fanbase.
With the transition from Cavill to Hemsworth, expectations were high for the new season. However, many fans have expressed dissatisfaction, with some going so far as to claim that the series now resembles a “parody” of the books authored by Andrzej Sapkowski. The narrative follows Geralt, a mutated monster hunter, as he navigates a perilous world filled with dangers while attempting to protect his newfound family.
The season opens with a voice-over recap featuring Cavill’s Geralt, but quickly transitions to Hemsworth, leaving some viewers feeling disconnected. Significant events that fans were eager to see were relegated to an introductory montage, further fueling the criticism of the pacing and storytelling.
Online conversations have questioned whether Hemsworth is a fitting replacement for Cavill. Reports suggest that Cavill was let go due to creative differences with the writing team, specifically regarding their fidelity to the source material. While some viewers found Hemsworth’s performance acceptable, others have been left wanting. One critic pointedly remarked, “While his predecessor invested Geralt I with a gruff likability, Geralt II is less ‘valorous man-mountain grappling with responsibilities beyond our ken’ and more ‘bollard in a wig’.”
The feeling of a rushed storyline is prevalent, as many fans believe the rich universe created by Sapkowski deserves more depth and nuance than what has been presented. Given Netflix’s track record, the lackluster reception has raised questions about the direction of the series.
As fans brace themselves for the series’ conclusion, season 5 has already been filmed back-to-back with the current season and is slated for release in late 2024. Additionally, Netflix has quietly introduced a spin-off titled The Rats: A Witcher Tale, along with other related projects such as The Witcher: Blood Origin and The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf.
As the franchise continues to expand, the reception of season 4 serves as a critical touchpoint for the future of The Witcher series. The contrasting opinions from fans and critics underscore the challenges of adapting beloved material, especially when significant changes occur in the cast and creative team.
