Fans of Netflix's The Witcher have started a petition to keep its current star Henry Cavill in the role of Geralt of Rivia.
A Change.org petition began circulating online calling for Netflix to keep Cavill as the titular Witcher and instead replace the writers of the series. At the time of writing, the petition currently has 6,992 signatures out of its goal of 7,500. "Henry isn’t leaving The Witcher because of Superman, Netflix executives have once again made a grave decision against delivering for their fans," the petition reads. "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."
The petition also appeared to reference comments made by former series writer Beau DeMayo, who suggested that some of the writers for the series disliked the show's source material, including the original novels written by Andrzej Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red's The Witcher video games. He said, "I've been on show - namely Witcher - where some of the writers were not or actively disliked the books and games (even actively mocking the source material.)"
Witcher Fans Reject Cavill's Exit
Cavill recently announced that he would be departing the Netflix series after Season 3 and will be replaced in the role of Geralt by Liam Hemsworth. "As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men," Cavill wrote in his announcement. Cavill did not provide a reason for his departure, though there is speculation that it is due to his return to the role of Superman in the DC Extended Universe. The Man of Steel star made his on-screen return as the Last Son of Krypton in Warner Bros. and DC Films' Black Adam, starring Dwayne Johnson.
Hemsworth, who will take over as the monster slayer in the show's fourth season, has stated that he is "over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia." He stated, "I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world."
The Witcher has reportedly started development on both Season 4 and Season 5, which will be filmed back-to-back. After Cavill's announcement, fans similarly voiced their displeasure at this news by calling for Netflix to instead cancel The Witcher after Season 3 instead of replacing the lead actor. Details regarding Season 3 of The Witcher are scarce, though the next installment will reportedly adapt storylines and characters from Sapkowski's novel, Time of Contempt.
The Witcher Season 3 is set to be released in the summer of 2023.
Source: Change.org
