The news from the Continent was strange last week. Netflix’s hit adaptation of “The Witcher” announced some big casting changes. Series star Henry Cavill is leaving the role of Geralt of Rivia, and will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth.
Fans were quick to bemoan the choice, questioning if the possible creative choices of producers, directors, and writers were at fault. Cavill, who is a self-professed uberfan of the source material (books, games), knows the world and the characters. So, was THAT the reason?
The most likely reason comes with the confirmation (thanks to “Black Adam“) that Cavill will indeed be returning as the Last Son of Krypton, Superman. There had been rumblings and rumors for years about a possible “Man of Steel” sequel. Warner Bros. Pictures’ recent changing of the guards seems like the catalyst that really cemented the return.
But back to “The Witcher.”
A group of fans have launched an online petition, demanding the writing staff of the show “be replaced” in order to “keep Cavill instead.” At present, it has over 1280,000 signatures. The campaign claims Cavill’s departure has “nothing to do with Superman.”
“Henry isn’t leaving The Witcher because of Superman, Netflix executives have once again made a grave decision against delivering for their fans. The reason why The Witcher is such a popular show is the fans’ love of the source material of books and games, that are hated by and have actively been mocked by the writers and showrunner. Henry Cavill is one of those big fans, he knows all of it inside out and wanted to stay true to Sapkowski’s world, which is why Netflix wants to replace him.
Let us show them in pure numbers (and thus lost money, because that’s all they really care about) that none of us Witcher fans will stand with them and will abandon the show (and potentially our subscriptions) after The Witcher season 3 is concluded.”
It’s very unlikely anything will come from this petition. Catch “The Witcher” on Netflix now.
