There are plenty of video game-related shows and movies in the works. We’ve started to really see this industry hit a stronger stride when it comes to adaptations. While not directly a video game-adapted television series, there is quite a bit of fanfare for The Witcher. This series might have captivated an audience from the previous line of video games. However, it’s a show that was adapted from a series of novels, the same on which CD Projekt Red based their games.
With the third season wrapped and available to stream through the Netflix subscription service, you might already know this was the last featuring Henry Cavill. This actor took up the mantle of being Geralt in the series. While the show was praised for this actor taking the lead, it was a shock that Henry was leaving the production after season three, and it hasn’t been apparent why. We’ve heard some comments here and there, but it might never be known precisely the reasoning behind the sudden departure. Now we have one director speaking up about what they think might have been the reason for the exit.
Speaking with Screen Rant, we learned that director Marc Jobst gave insight into the actor’s potential reason for leaving this show. Marc was responsible for directing a couple of episodes for the show during its debut season. According to Marc, Henry has an incredible work ethic. He’s passionate about the project and does all his own stunts. The director went on to state that they would have long shoots that took twelve hours, and you’d find Henry working out before along with after the work day.
Likewise, because Henry is so passionate about the project, even picking up shots where you would see a close-up of a hand reaching for a sword, Henry would take part. Marc would note that these shots could be done with a body double not to drain your actors during production. But it looks like Henry was too keen on being Geralt during the entire shoot. Then you would have lengthy fight sequences with heavy swords. As a result, the director believes that this show just is getting too much for Henry. This might have played a major part in why Henry is leaving the show, which might also show just how much he doesn’t want to provide a lackluster Geralt for viewers.
While Henry Cavill is no longer attached to The Witcher, the series is not being killed off. Instead, we know that actor Liam Hemsworth will be taking on the role of Geralt going forward. So it will certainly be interesting to see how viewers take up with the recast of Geralt and the show in the future.