You won’t be blamed for perhaps forgetting that Netlfix is working on their own series adaptation of The Witcher. It’s been bubbling in the background, with sparse updates from showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich on Twitter giving small glimpses into its development. But without a central figure to pin the name Geralt to, it’s all still felt like a bit of a dream. One that took a big stride towards reality today, as Superman actor Henry Cavill confirmed he’s picking up a silver sword for the adaptation.
Cavill, who has been a fan-favourite for the role, confirmed via Instagram that he’s been cast in the series as the titular monster hunter, bringing his steely expressions and massive physique to the assumedly demanding role. Hissrich confirmed the news on Twitter too, saying that Cavill has always felt like Geralt to her since their first meeting. She also reiterated that the first season will span 8-episodes, adapting its stories more from the original novels than CD Projekt RED’s immensely popular video game adaptation. That means more unique stories for the team to explore too since The Witcher games took large liberties with a lot of it.
He was my first meeting. I didn’t have writers or scripts yet – just a greenlight and a lot of passion. That was four months ago, and I’ve never forgotten the passion he brought. He IS Geralt. He always has been. I’m so thrilled to welcome HENRY CAVILL to the #Witcher family.
— Lauren S. Hissrich (@LHissrich) September 4, 2018
There’s no release date for the series just yet, but having a main actor now starts getting a lot of wheels turning. I would expect to hear news about shooting dates and more cast member reveals to start slipping in soon.
For those who don’t know, Geralt of Riva is the main character in the Witcher series of both games and novels. He’s a member of a group of highly trained, magically mutated monster hunters called Witchers, containing little outward emotion and refusing to be a pawn in the massive political changes that take place across the fictional setting. Geralt has been a character evolving through his game appearance, showing several different shades of morality during their large story beats and finer details according to player decisions throughout them.
Cavill might not have been your preferred choice (Mads Mikkelson was robbed), but there’s no doubt he’ll bring a lot to the in-development project.
Last Updated: September 4, 2018
RinceThis
September 4, 2018 at 18:03
I would have liked Mads Mikkelsen too. Not sure how Cavill manage to act through the passive face of Geralt.he hasn’t exactly shown us deep acting yet. Maybe this will be his time to shine!
Kenn Gibson
September 5, 2018 at 11:03
Mads Mikkelson is 52 odd. Sure I don’t doubt he would have made an awesome Geralt (from Witcher 3) but they are telling earlier stories from the books. Henry Cavill could be great. Potentially telling stories like how he got named the Butcher of Blavikan, How he adopted Ciri, When he joined the wild hunt, the Emyhr / Duny story , Gerald and Regis story…. (yes i know it’s all connected but they can take any of those storylines and adapt them)
Matthew Holliday
September 5, 2018 at 13:49
Always thought Geralt needed a bit of a funny accent, Mikkelsen would have had that covered, so yeah.
But he’s probably better off as someone else in the series, Emhyr, Regis or one of the Scoitale dudes or something.
Geralt is often as much of a side character in his own story as the side characters themselves. So yeah, there are other characters that he could put his skills to, that would be just as worthwhile.
Kromas
September 5, 2018 at 06:46
But will he have a digital beard or a real one?
Original Heretic
September 5, 2018 at 08:08
Ah fuck…
Guz
September 5, 2018 at 09:18
“For those who don’t know, Geralt of Riva is the main character in the Witcher series”
What?! Have they been living under a rock in the middle of the ocean everyone knows who Geralt is.
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
September 5, 2018 at 09:41
Meh …
Geoffrey Tim
September 5, 2018 at 10:35
I’m down with this. Cavill has the acting chops; don’t judge him based on his limp superman.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/93b87901d80913211597b2eca59ca81e9cf8d71f60407cd545f1389ea51aa98a.jpg
Guz
September 5, 2018 at 11:20
And we know he can grow the facial hair required xD
I_am_Duffman!
September 5, 2018 at 11:25
But can you imagine how distorted his face would look like if WB had to edit out a full beard?
Gareth Lagesse (eXCheez)
September 5, 2018 at 12:42
I’m so keen for this! After seeing him in interviews for MI: Fallout he has shown that he is a great guy with a heck of a lot of range in terms of voice and performance.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
September 5, 2018 at 14:18
Are they going to not let him shave again?