Although the first season 4 trailer provides our first significant look at Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, it still does not reveal how the show plans to address the change in actor portraying Geralt. However, there are clues elsewhere. Back in 2024, during an official behind-the-scenes table read, two key new characters for The Witcher season 4 were revealed. Nimay and Strybog, portrayed by Eve Ridley and Clive Russell.
In the original books, Strybog is a storyteller from the distant future, a time when the tales of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri have become legends. Nimay is inspired by these legends to become a mage. As a child, Nimay and other children in her village gathered around Strybog to listen to the Witcher's saga.
Season 4 is likely to utilize Nimay and Strybog to explain Geralt's new appearance. Executive producer Tom Beginsky mentioned in an interview back in 2023 that the reality in Andrzej Sapkowski's work is influenced by various storytellers over time, which might lead to different interpretations of characters and events.
What's certain is that Liam Hemsworth's tenure as Geralt will be shorter than Henry Cavill's iconic portrayal. Alongside his role in season 4, Hemsworth will also portray Geralt in the fifth and final season. Reports suggest that filming for season 5 concluded in September 2025.
The series, known for its loose adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s acclaimed fantasy saga, is approaching its conclusion with the upcoming seasons. Whether Hemsworth can meet fans' expectations remains to be seen until the release of season 4. The trailer indicates that Hemsworth’s portrayal deviates from Cavill’s, which could be an adaptation aligning with the source material. The recasting offers the series an opportunity to stay true to the books, which it has previously overlooked.
The upcoming chapters will decide whether The Witcher delivers the finale that its longtime audience desires. The adaptation method, where legends are reinterpreted over time, may allow Hemsworth to find a version of Geralt that resonates with fans.
The trailer suggests a fresh take on the character, which may not necessarily be a negative change. This method of addressing recast aligns with the storytelling tradition where legends evolve, perhaps offering a fitting conclusion to the story.