The Witcher actor Joey Batey has responded to the backlash about Liam Hemsworth replacing Henry Cavill for season four, saying it feels like ‘the end of an era’.
Batey, 34, plays the bard Jaskier in the hit Netflix fantasy series, which is returning for a third season this summer – marking Cavill’s final turn at the title role.
The first volume of episodes will be released onto the streaming platform on 29 June 2023, with the second set of episodes following on 27 July.
Beyond that, the role of Geralt of Rivia will go to Liam Hemsworth – much to the disappointment of some fans, despite the fact that the ‘fantastic’ actor has had his predecessors full blessings.
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In a new interview with It’s Gone Viral, Batey addressed some of the backlash, admitting he tends to ignore most of the ‘noise’ about it.
He said the outcry surely must reflect more on the strength of Cavill’s work, rather than any lacking from Hemsworth – who he says has been ‘working so hard’ for the role.
“I don’t really pay attention to a lot of the noise,” he said.
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“I’m not really on social media or anything.
“But what I do know is a lot of these fans have been with us since before the show existed. They’re fans of Mr Sapkowski’s writing, they’re fans of the games, and there is a certain sense of ownership over these stories and of these characters – and quite rightly so.”
Batey continued: “I think it’s testament to Henry’s hard work, and Henry’s skill and talent, that everyone’s going, ‘But no, don’t leave, you were great!’
“The sheer affection and fondness and love that they have for him that there is such a vocal outcry at it.
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“It really is the end of an era, and the start of a new one with Liam. I know that Liam is working so hard, training already and things like that – to come in and step into these enormous shoes.”
After the trailer for season three dropped earlier today, excitement has been mounting for Cavill’s last hurrah.
When we last saw Geralt and the gang, it was a time of great upheaval for the Continent, with everyone in the world – and a whole heap of monsters – seeking to capture Ciri.
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Now, we’ll get to see how things develop as the three heroes go into hiding, but find themselves embroiled in yet more danger, intrigue, and political machinations.
The official Netflix synopsis explains: “As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it.
“Entrusted with Ciri’s magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where they hope to uncover more about the girl’s untapped powers; instead, they discover they’ve landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery.
“They must fight back, put everything on the line – or risk losing each other forever.”
Topics: Film and TV, The Witcher, Henry Cavill, Netflix
Jess Hardiman