When The Witcher first arrived on Netflix, Henry Cavill’s gruff and brooding take on Geralt of Rivia instantly became one of fantasy television’s defining characters. So when news broke that Liam Hemsworth would be taking over in Season 4, fans braced for the worst. Could anyone possibly match Cavill’s cold steel energy?
Turns out, Hemsworth doesn’t try to — and that’s exactly why his Geralt works.
A Fresh Beginning After the Storm
Season 4 opens with a Continent still scarred by war and betrayal. Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri are scattered, each wrestling with the aftermath of everything they’ve lost. There’s an immediate shift in tone — the world feels heavier, quieter, and more introspective. Showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich seems to have used the recasting as an opportunity to reset the story’s rhythm.
This season slows things down just enough to let emotions breathe. Instead of jumping from monster hunt to political plotline, we get time to sit with these characters. The writing feels more confident — like the show finally knows what kind of story it wants to tell.
Liam Hemsworth’s Take on Geralt
Let’s get to the question everyone’s asking: how is Liam Hemsworth as Geralt?
In short, he’s good — very good. He’s not doing a Henry Cavill impression. Instead, he brings his own interpretation: less gravel and grunt, more grounded humanity. His Geralt still broods, still mutters his trademark “Hmm,” but there’s a different kind of weight behind it — quieter, a little sadder, and maybe more believable as a man who’s seen too much.
By the third episode, Hemsworth feels settled. His chemistry with Anya Chalotra’s Yennefer is warmer, more layered; their scenes crackle with that mix of resentment and longing that always defined the pair. With Freya Allan’s Ciri, Hemsworth nails the protective father-figure energy — there’s a softness to their exchanges that wasn’t as visible before.
No, he doesn’t have Cavill’s mythic presence, but he makes Geralt feel more human. And that, somehow, makes the show feel more alive.
What the Story Delivers
Season 4’s story picks up in the chaos left behind by Season 3. Ciri is on the run, Yennefer is struggling to unite the fractured Brotherhood of Mages, and Geralt is trying to hold himself — and what’s left of his purpose — together.
The political intrigue returns, but it’s more coherent this time. Nilfgaard’s expansion is tightening, Redania plays its own dangerous game, and through it all, destiny continues to pull Ciri toward an uncertain fate.
There’s also a handful of standout monster sequences — Episode 2’s bone-devouring Bruxa hunt and Episode 6’s “Twilight of the Wolf” showdown are beautifully shot and brutally satisfying. But unlike early seasons, the monsters aren’t just spectacle anymore; they mirror the characters’ internal battles.
New Faces, Familiar Souls
The returning cast continues to shine. Anya Chalotra is electric as Yennefer — fierce, vulnerable, and more emotionally complex than ever. Freya Allan transforms Ciri from frightened fugitive to hardened survivor, and Joey Batey’s Jaskier remains the show’s beating heart, even as his songs grow darker.
Among the newcomers, Laurence Fishburne steals scenes as Regis, a vampire with charm and philosophical weight. Peter Mullan takes over as Vesemir and fits seamlessly into the world — gruff, wise, and tinged with sorrow.
Cinematography and Tone
Visually, Season 4 is a stunner. Filmed across Iceland and Eastern Europe, it feels colder and more haunted than ever — like a world on the edge of collapse. The action choreography is crisp and gritty; blades clash with real weight, and the magic sequences blend practical effects with just enough visual flair.
The pacing occasionally dips around the middle episodes, but the emotional throughline keeps it grounded. By the finale, titled “Baptism of Fire,” it all comes together in a surprisingly powerful crescendo.
Episode Line-Up
| Episode | Title | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger | Geralt’s recovery and reckoning. |
| 2 | Dream of a Wish Fulfilled | Ciri’s transformation begins. |
| 3 | Trial by Ordeal | Yennefer faces old enemies. |
| 4 | A Sermon of Survival | The group reunites amid betrayal. |
| 5 | The Joy of Cooking | Regis joins the party — chaos follows. |
| 6 | Twilight of the Wolf | A haunting monster hunt with emotional stakes. |
| 7 | What I Love I Do Not Carry | Hard choices and broken loyalties. |
| 8 | Baptism of Fire | Explosive finale that changes everything. |
What Works
- Liam Hemsworth’s refreshingly human take on Geralt.
- A tighter, more emotional narrative.
- Beautiful visuals and well-choreographed action.
- Strong performances across the board.
What Doesn’t
- Mid-season pacing sags a bit.
- Some political subplots still feel rushed.
- A few fans may never fully adjust to the new Geralt — and that’s okay.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
The Witcher: Season 4 feels like the show’s second wind. It’s not trying to copy what came before — it’s building something new from the ashes. Liam Hemsworth steps up with quiet confidence and proves he deserves to wear the medallion.
This is a darker, more reflective season — one that reminds us why we fell in love with this world in the first place. It’s about family, destiny, and the struggle to stay human in a world built to break you.
If you were ready to give up on The Witcher after Cavill left, don’t. This season just might win you back.
Streaming now on Netflix
🕛 Global Release: October 30 2025
🇮🇳 Available in India at: 12:30 PM IST
