According to Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, the writer, executive producer, and showrunner of Netflix’s The Witcher series, Henry Cavill was her first meeting to determine who would play Geralt of Rivia soon after the project was announced. As explained by Hissrich, “He was my first meeting. I didn’t have writers or scripts yet – just a greenlight and a lot of passion. That was four months ago, and I’ve never forgotten the passion he brought. He IS Geralt. He always has been. I’m so thrilled to welcome HENRY CAVILL to The Witcher family.”
For those unaware, Henry Cavill is not only an avid gamer, but also a major fan of The Witcher, with the actor having apparently read each book from Sapkowski’s literary series and played every game in the trilogy from CD Projekt Red to completion. So, while some might be quick to criticize the casting of Cavill as the White Wolf, it will be difficult to disparage his passion for the character and The Witcher as a whole.
All things considered, with Cavill now locked in as Geralt, it will be interesting to see what other actors Hissrich and her team will bring on board for The Witcher series in order to round out the rest of the supporting players. Mark Hamill has expressed interest in playing Vesemir, but we will simply have to wait and see if the Star Wars actor is given a shot at the part, and who else populates The Witcher’s cast.
Netflix’s The Witcher series has yet to announce an official air date.
Source: Deadline
