Liam Hemsworth Breaks Silence on Handling Fan Backlash After Replacing Henry Cavill in Netflix's 'The Witcher'

Published 09/25/2025, 9:23 PM EDT

In the realm of dark fantasy, Henry Cavill stood as the undisputed ruler of The Witcher. Then, the unexpected news arrived: Cavill would depart, and a new actor would take up the legendary swords and medallion. Liam Hemsworth's name was unveiled as his successor, a revelation that was met with an intense storm of negative reaction from the fiercely protective fan community. The casting decision was a lightning rod for controversy, sparking a massive online uproar.

The intense scrutiny and noise from the internet necessitated a temporary retreat for Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth’s method for managing the backlash post The Witcher announcement

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Following the announcement in 2022 of the title role in The Witcher, Liam Hemsworth reportedly withdrew from social media platforms. The decision was made to distance himself from the public commotion surrounding his casting. Hemsworth stated to Entertainment Weekly that this form of online negativity was something he had previously experienced and successfully navigated in his career. The actor emphasized a desire to maintain focus solely on the artistic endeavor of storytelling.

The primary objective for the actor remained his profound passion for cinema and the craft of acting itself. Hemsworth expressed to Entertainment Weekly the conviction that the unnecessary "noise" should not be permitted to influence his performance or his method of delivering the story. While fans were not so happy, the other lead cast and Henry Cavill understood that the actor's professional dedication would be channeled into honoring the character of The Witcher's upcoming season.

After Henry Cavill, 'The Witcher' Loses the Second-Biggest Witcher Actor in Season 4

The incumbent and supporting cast offered words of encouragement and defense for the new Geralt.

Support and praise for Liam Hemsworth from the outgoing Witcher and co-stars

Henry Cavill offered public praise for his replacement, describing Liam Hemsworth as "fantastic" for the part. The outgoing star, who is not returning, spoke of passing on the role with great reverence for the time he had spent embodying Geralt of Rivia. Cavill concluded by wishing his successor an enjoyable journey exploring the profound depth of the iconic figure.

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Freya Allan, the actress who portrays Ciri, appealed to the fan base for patience, requesting that Liam Hemsworth be given an opportunity to prove himself. While speaking to the Collider, she acknowledged the difficult position he was placed in and the harsh nature of the passionate fan community he was facing. Allan expressed sympathy for the intensity of the situation while affirming her belief in the actor's commitment to the role. She noted his training and heartfelt desire to honor the character.

A Flurry of Actors Join 'The Witcher', As Liam Hemsworth's Season 4 is Still in The Wait Since Henry Cavill Exit

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What are your thoughts on the challenges Liam Hemsworth now faces? Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

376 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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