The highly anticipated fourth season of Netflix’s The Witcher was released on March 14, 2024, and has faced a wave of criticism from fans and critics alike, achieving a disappointing 18% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The transition from Henry Cavill to Liam Hemsworth as the lead character, Geralt of Rivia, has been a significant point of contention among viewers.
As the series continues to adapt the works of Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, who is renowned for his fantasy novels, the show has struggled to maintain its footing with audiences. Many fans expressed their discontent on social media, with some claiming that Netflix’s adaptation has devolved into a “parody” of the original source material. The narrative follows Geralt, a monster hunter navigating a perilous world filled with mythical creatures, as he strives to protect his newfound family against escalating dangers.
The season opener featured a voice-over recap with Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt, yet the character was not fully showcased, leading to a swift transition to Hemsworth’s interpretation. Critics noted that this shift felt abrupt, with essential plot points relegated to an introductory montage. Some fans have questioned Hemsworth’s capability to fill Cavill’s shoes, particularly after reports suggested that Cavill departed due to creative differences over the show’s fidelity to the source material.
Despite some viewers expressing surprise at Hemsworth’s performance, reactions have been mixed. One critic remarked, “While his predecessor invested Geralt with a gruff likability, Geralt II is less ‘valorous man-mountain grappling with responsibilities beyond our ken’ and more ‘bollard in a wig’.” This sentiment reflects the broader discontent regarding Hemsworth’s portrayal and the pacing of the storyline, which some find rushed given the richness of Sapkowski’s universe.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that the series will conclude with a fifth season, which has already been filmed back-to-back with season four and is slated for release in late 2025. In a related effort, Netflix has also launched a spin-off titled The Rats: A Witcher Tale, alongside existing titles such as The Witcher: Blood Origin and The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, aimed at satisfying fans eager for more content from this expansive universe.
With a tumultuous reception and a looming conclusion, the future of The Witcher remains uncertain as it grapples with both audience expectations and the legacy of its source material.
