The torch has officially passed. Netflix has released the first clip from The Witcher Season 4, and it’s the moment Liam Hemsworth steps into Geralt’s boots. The scene, revealed via IGN, shows the vampire Regis (Laurence Fishburne) freeing Geralt and Jaskier from their chains — a symbolic unshackling for a series entering a new era.
The season premieres on October 30, 2025, and it’s more than just a recast. It’s a test of whether the show can survive a seismic shift in its identity.
Hemsworth’s First Swing as Geralt
Hemsworth admits he was blindsided when offered the role in late 2022. His surprise mirrors the audience’s skepticism: can he embody a character so tied to Henry Cavill’s presence? The first footage suggests he’s leaning into physicality and restraint, letting the gravelly silence do the work.
Showrunner Lauren Hissrich has emphasized Hemsworth’s ability to blend brute force with emotional resonance. Watching him spar with Fishburne’s Regis, you sense the attempt to balance intimidation with vulnerability.
The Clip and the Context
The preview isn’t just a tease of Hemsworth’s Geralt — it’s a tonal reset. Regis, played with gravitas by Fishburne, represents the show’s pivot toward darker, stranger corners of Sapkowski’s lore. The supernatural feels heavier, the stakes more personal.
Meanwhile, Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Ciri (Freya Allan) are separated by war and betrayal, their arcs promising parallel journeys of survival and self‑discovery.
Posters That Signal Change
Alongside the clip, Netflix dropped new character posters. Each face is half‑engulfed in flame — a visual metaphor for transformation, destruction, and rebirth. Hemsworth’s Geralt, Chalotra’s Yennefer, Allan’s Ciri, and Fishburne’s Regis all stare down the viewer, marked by fire. It’s unsubtle, but effective: this is a season about trial by fire.
A Cast Built for Reinvention
The ensemble is stacked: Joey Batey returns as Jaskier, Meng’er Zhang joins as Milva, Sharlto Copley as Leo Bonhart, and James Purefoy as Skellen. It’s a mix of familiar anchors and fresh blood, designed to steady the ship while steering into new waters.
Why This Witcher Preview Matters
- Hemsworth’s First Test: The clip shows him leaning into Geralt’s stoicism, with hints of emotional depth.
- Fishburne as Regis: A heavyweight addition who grounds the supernatural with gravitas.
- Visual Reset: Posters drenched in fire imagery signal transformation and conflict.
- October 30 Premiere: Netflix positions the season as a Halloween‑timed event.
- A Darker Tone: The footage suggests a pivot toward stranger, more unsettling corners of the lore.
FAQ
Is Liam Hemsworth convincing as Geralt? The clip suggests he’s playing it restrained, letting physical presence and silence carry weight. It’s early, but promising.
Why is Regis important in Season 4? As a vampire ally, Regis expands the supernatural scope and adds moral complexity. Fishburne’s casting elevates the role.
Do the posters hint at the season’s theme? Yes. The fire motif screams transformation — characters consumed, reforged, or destroyed by what’s coming.
Will Season 4 feel different without Cavill? Inevitable. But difference isn’t failure. If Hemsworth finds his rhythm, the show could rediscover itself.
