By Ben Wright (@Iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Let’s start with the Henry Cavill-sized elephant in the room. Like many fans, I was gutted when it was announced he was leaving the role of Geralt of Rivia. Given his reasons, though, it was hard to fault him. Season 3 was, to put it kindly, a creative and narrative mess, and things weren’t looking great for the series, especially with its leading man walking away. When Liam Hemsworth was announced as Cavill’s replacement, the reaction was… less than kind. The ridicule online was relentless, and I’m sure many viewers who were already on the fence probably jumped ship altogether.
As for me, I decided to stick with it. I’ve loved The Witcher since the books and games, and I was determined to see the story through. So, the big question — how does Hemsworth do? Honestly, it took me two or three episodes to truly settle into the idea that this was a new Geralt. The show helps this transition by pushing other characters to the forefront. Geralt has arguably never felt less central to the story. But that works in Hemsworth’s favour. By the halfway point, I was more than satisfied with his performance.
He’s not copying Cavill, and that’s a good thing. Hemsworth brings a slightly more expressive, emotionally open take on the character, drawing inspiration from both the games and the books, while still making Geralt his own. Physically, he’s more than up to the task; his combat presence and physicality are convincing, even when some of the CGI-enhanced fights wobble slightly. Is he revolutionary? No. But he’s far from the disaster that some feared. Go in with an open mind and give him a fair shot; you might be pleasantly surprised.
Elsewhere, the returning cast continue to anchor the show. Anya Chalotra delivers one of her best turns yet as Yennefer of Vengerberg, finally taking centre stage in a way that feels earned. Freya Allan’s Ciri also shines this season. She’s given more emotional range and grit, though I’ll admit I’ve never been fond of her particular storyline with the Rats (in both book and show form). The performances from the Rats cast are solid, even if the narrative itself remains one of my least favourite arcs.
Joey Batey’s Jaskier enjoys a stronger season than last time, though I still feel he’s a little underused, which is a shame, given his charm and presence. Of the new additions, Laurence Fishburne as Regis is an absolute highlight. He plays the vampire philosopher with a quiet wisdom and gentle gravitas that elevates every scene he’s in. Sharlto Copley’s Leo Bonhart is another standout, menacing and unpredictable, and he’ll be a major player heading into the final season. Danny Woodburn also makes a welcome debut as Zoltan, rounding out the ensemble nicely.
Story-wise, The Witcher continues its shift from monster-of-the-week fantasy to full-blown war epic. There are fewer beasts this time around, but the ones that do appear are imaginative and thoughtfully integrated, often requiring brains rather than brute force to defeat. The larger focus, however, is on the chaos of war between Nilfgaard and the Northern Realms, intertwined with the formation of the Lodge of Sorceresses. While certain elements are clearly truncated, the adaptation of Baptism of Fire and The Tower of the Swallow works surprisingly well. There’s a sense of stakes and consequence this season – characters grow, others fall, and no one feels entirely safe.
The pacing is generally solid, with a few standout episodes in the middle and towards the end that remind you why The Witcher remains one of Netflix’s most ambitious fantasy series. I’ll admit, I enjoyed this season more than the last. It may not hit the same highs as the early days, but it’s rarely dull. Once you accept what the show has evolved into, a pulpy, sword-and-sorcery adventure with a heavy dose of political intrigue, it’s much easier to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
That’s not to say it’s flawless. Some fight scenes are a bit too heavily edited or sped up, giving them an over-CGI’d feel that distracts from the choreography. The handling of Vesemir, now played by Peter Mullan, is another misstep. A good actor given frustratingly little to do. And yes, this is the first time the production feels slightly constrained by its budget. Some costumes and props look a little less polished than before. But none of these issues are deal-breakers.
The Witcher: Season 4 is a pleasant surprise. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a clear step up from Season 3, a confident, often exciting adaptation of Sapkowski’s original material. Liam Hemsworth more than holds his own as Geralt, the ensemble remains strong, and when the show leans into what it does best – heartfelt character moments, sharp humour, and morally murky storytelling – it still shines.
It may not convert the doubters, but for those still invested in the Continent, The Witcher rides again, albeit a little different, a little rougher around the edges, but still full of magic.
X-Geeks 