It’s never easy stepping into the shoes of a beloved actor, but Liam Hemsworth is doing just that in the upcoming season of Netflix’s The Witcher, taking over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill.
The recasting sparked massive fan debate, but the 35-year-old Australian star says he’s found a way to focus on the role and ignore the noise.
Blocking Out the Critics
“There was quite a bit of noise and I had to put that aside,” Hemsworth told Entertainment Weekly. “It started to become a distraction.”
Having grown up in the spotlight, thanks to his high-profile marriage to Miley Cyrus and his role as Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games films, Liam says he’s no stranger to public scrutiny.
“I’ve dealt with that sort of thing in the past a lot,” he said.
To protect his focus, Liam ditched social media and stayed off the internet for most of 2024, letting his passion for acting take center stage.
“At the end of the day, I love making movies and telling stories,” he said.
“I just don’t want any of that to affect the way I tell the story I’m trying to tell.”
Respecting His Predecessor
Hemsworth is quick to acknowledge that stepping into Cavill’s role is no small feat.
“I’m a massive fan of what he did in the show,” Liam said. Cavill, in turn, has shown nothing but support for his successor:
“In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf,” Cavill said.
“As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”
Behind the Scenes of the Transformation
Filmed at Longcross Film Studios near London, Hemsworth revealed the effort it takes to physically transform into Geralt.
“It takes two or three people to put the makeup on and off, but it looks really cool,” he said.
The actor also described his cool down routine during long, sweltering production days: “I go back to my tent where I’ve got an air conditioner and just try to get some air up the back of my chest plate.”
Preparing for Season Four
Despite fan pushback over the recasting, Hemsworth’s commitment to the character is clear.
With Freya Allan and Anya Chalotra returning, he’s ready to dive into Geralt’s complex world. Cavill added a heartfelt message to Liam:
“Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him. Enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
Season four of The Witcher is set to premiere on Netflix on October 30, marking a new chapter for the White Wolf and a fresh take on the fantasy saga.