The fourth season of The Witcher has received some extremely critical reviews, with writers unimpressed by Liam Hemsworth taking over the lead role of Geralt Of Rivia, as well as the plot.
- READ MORE: Why did Henry Cavill quit ‘The Witcher’?
All eight episodes arrived today (October 30) on Netflix. The official synopsis reads: “After the Continent-altering events of Season 3, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge and their goals sharpen, they encounter unexpected allies eager to join their journeys. And if they can accept these found families, they just might have a chance at reuniting for good…”
The series has drawn controversy from fans following the departure of beloved lead Henry Cavill, who played Geralt for the first three seasons. The former Superman actor left the show in 2023, and hinted towards creative differences as the reason for his departure.
Fans were unsure that Hemsworth, known for the Hunger Games franchise, would be up to the task. It would appear that critics have confirmed those doubts, with several calling the new season a disappointment.
The Guardian’s two-star review saw critic Sarah Dempster describe Hemsworth as being “as charismatic as a bollard in a wig.” “The tone remains wildly uneven” she continues, “lurching as it does between steeple-fingered Game of Thrones-y glumness and those early-90s Saturday afternoon series in which an uncommunicative hunk wanders between small communities, rescuing imperilled innocents from baddies while learning about the true meaning of friendship.”
SoFilm’s Debopriyaa Dutta described the season as “The Epitome Of Squandered Potential”, writing: “The Witcher season 4 makes some inexcusable decisions in terms of character fates: major characters are killed off way too early and robbed of their narrative purpose, and integral character moments are transposed for no reason whatsoever.”
In a two-star review for Radio Times, Nicola Austin concludes: “As Cavill’s absence looms large over a story weighed down by uneven writing and tone – plus questionable performances and production design – it’s clear that Netflix’s flagship fantasy series has lost its magic. Unless season 5 pulls off a (monster) miracle, this might be one quest even Geralt can’t complete.”
There were positive assessments, with GamesRadar+ describing it the season as “the best yet” and “full of laughs, huge action, and real danger”; while Variety’s Aramide Tinubu describes it as “an upgrade” that “has mostly reclaimed it’s magic.”
The Witcher will return for a fifth and final season in the future, and all episodes of season four are currently available on Netflix.
Recently, Liam Hemsworth spoke about replacing Cavill in the show, saying “It came out of nowhere. I was as surprised as anyone.” He also discussed his love of the game and his predecessor.
English (US) · 