On June 27, Netflix’s The Witcher dropped its first half of season three. The TV show, which is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s series of the same name (The Witcher), caused a global stir after its release on December 20, 2019. The show, which stars Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allen, and Joey Batey, has kept a steady stream of viewers throughout its three seasons. After its release of season two on December 17, 2021, fans have been waiting for the drop of its third season, which dropped on June 27, 2023.
The third season of The Witcher features five episodes, with many of its recurrent cast members returning, and a few new faces as well. The third season, however, drops after main star Henry Cavill revealed in October 2022 that he would be leaving the TV show after its third season. It was then revealed that he would be replaced by Liam Hemsworth.
Reasons Behind Leaving
While there have been no official statements regarding why Cavill left the show, there have been rumors that he butted heads with the production team and scriptwriters over the adaptation. Cavill, who is a huge fan of Sapkowski’s books, wanted the TV show to follow the storyline of the series and expressed concern when he thought the show was strayed too far from the source material. He wanted to portray a Geralt that was consistent with the books, and rumors claim he chose to leave because the writers were changing the characters and plot too much for him to continue being the white-haired wolf. Cavill believed the writers were discrediting Sapkowski’s work.
Additionally, Sapkowski has expressed disappointment with the show and sided with Cavill. Sapkowski believes the TV show has strayed far from his books, and has stated about the show, “I’ve seen better. I’ve seen worse”. Sapkowski, however, revealed that he was very happy with Cavill’s portrayal of his character. This leaves viewers wondering if this clash has to do with Cavill leaving the show, or if there is another answer entirely.
Season Three
The first look at season three has viewers confused; many fans were expecting a full season instead of just a few episodes. The episodes, while limited, are action-packed and filled with drama that leaves the audience waiting in anticipation for the second half, which drops on July 27. The second half of season three will be three episodes long, bringing the total episode count of the season to eight, similar to the first two seasons. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season, but with Hemsworth instead of Cavill.
The third season begins where season two left off, with characters Geralt and Yennefer running with Ciri as they protect her from those who wish to harm her. The two characters take a role in protecting and training Ciri as the entire Continent battles to get their hands on her. This season features many heartwarming moments of the family bonding together. Yennefer and Ciri go ice skating, and Geralt begins to trust Yennefer once again after her betrayal in season two. Both Geralt and Yennefer take on a parental role in Ciri’s life after her family is killed, and they are willing to do anything to keep her safe, even if it means fighting to the death.
Downfall of ‘The Witcher’?
Many viewers, after Cavill expressed that he was leaving the show, claimed they would not watch the fourth season with Hemsworth. Ever since its release, both fans of the books and those who hadn’t read the series were happy with the casting of Cavill as Geralt. Throughout its two previous seasons, this belief was only fortified, and this has caused many fans to believe that there is no other actor who can play the character as well as Cavill.
This is the reason behind many fans boycotting season four. Some fans, in the thousands, signed a petition to keep Cavill on the show. Other fans, however, have claimed they will continue to watch in order to support the other actors and actresses, such as Chalotra (who has also been a fan-favorite), Allen, and Batey.
While there’s no way to tell whether Hemsworth will be a good replacement for Cavill as of yet, fans will have to tune into the fourth season to find out for themselves.
The Witcher, which currently has five episodes of season three, can be watched on Netflix. Many fans claim this is their last season watching, but others remain hopeful for the future of the show. Make sure to watch the new season to see how the story and characters progress!
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