Fans of The Witcher believe they’ve figured out another reason why Henry Cavill is leaving the hit Netflix series.
On Saturday, the Man of Steel star surprised fans by announcing that he was walking away from his role as Geralt of Rivia after three seasons and confirmed his departure in an Instagram post.
A week ago, Cavill also announced he’s set to return to the big screen as Superman. And while some believed that this was the main reason for his departure, other fans were not convinced.
In response to one fan who posted a meme suggesting that Cavill had to give up Geralt to play Superman again, one Twitter user said: “Well, it’s not all Superman but more because Henry Cavill wanted to stay true to the source material and the showrunners don’t. This is the most accurate reason of why…”
The actor has made it known that he is a huge fan of The Witcher book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, which serves as the source material for the Netflix adaptation created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich.
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Season three – which will now be the Jersey native’s final adventure as Geralt the Rivia – wrapped filming in September.
The third season will be based on The Time of Contempt, the second book in Sapkowski’s five-book series, with the TV adaptation planning to span across seven seasons.
“I’m a huge fan of the books and staying loyal to them, and it’s about making sure that story happens without too much in the way of diversions or side things going on to muddy the waters,” he divulged last year.
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He also told IGN in December 2021 that the books are his ‘focus’, saying: “The books are so nuanced, and there is so much complexity to the characters in there that it is ultimately that. As far as the show goes, I just want to make sure that the character and the books are done justice in live action, because I'm always of the mind that if it's not broken, don't try and fix it. And I don't think they're broken, and I absolutely love those books. For me, that's my focus.”
However, readers of Sapkowski’s books who have watched the Netflix series will know that the TV adaption is not totally faithful to its source material.
Former series writer Beau DeMayo also claimed some of the writers did not even like the source material. As reported by The Direct, he said during an Instagram Q&A: “I've been on show - namely Witcher - where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material.)"
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Cavill will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth, who recently confirmed his casting on Instagram.
The 32-year-old Aussie said: “As a Witcher fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia. Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure.
“Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”
UNILAD has contacted Netflix for comment.
Topics: Film and TV, Henry Cavill, The Witcher, Netflix
Gregory Robinson