‘The Witcher’ Season 4 Gets Lukewarm Reviews as Liam Hemsworth Faces Criticism

Netflix’s “The Witcher” Season 4 is finally here, and critics are divided on Liam Hemsworth’s debut as Geralt of Rivia. The series currently sits at just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviews pointing to Hemsworth’s performance as a major factor.

The Guardian criticized the new Geralt, writing, “While his predecessor invested Geralt I with a gruff likability, Geralt II is less ‘valorous man-mountain grappling with responsibilities beyond our ken’ and more ‘bollard in a wig.’”

Radio Times agreed, adding, “Hemsworth does his best with the material he’s been given, but his delivery and performance often falls flat – which may just prove the final straw for many long-time viewers.”

Slash Film also gave a negative assessment, saying, “The Witcher sets up some major book moments in the end, but the impact of these familiar stakes feels dull… the Netflix adaptation squanders it with season 4, which is the weakest entry in the franchise so far.”

The Wrap was similarly unimpressed, noting, “Though it was always a tall order for Hemsworth to step into Cavill’s big shoes… the new Geralt never rises to the occasion.”

CBR noted however, that while some viewers may have written off the series, Hemsworth’s Geralt “proves that he was the right choice to take over as the iconic monster hunter of The Continent.”

Here are some more reviews:

Hemsworth does a fine job of wearing the witcher’s medallion, and the obvious distinctions in this rendition aren’t necessarily detrimental to the story.

Debopriyaa Dutta

As Cavill’s absence looms large over a story weighed down by uneven writing and tone, 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.

Nicola Austin

Frustrating qualities plague the beginning of the season, but the last half of The Witcher Season 4 finds solid ground in good storytelling.

Kate Sánchez

Where Cavill brought a real presence to the role — managing to be gruffly funny in one moment and believably brutal in the next — Hemsworth is just an anchor around the entire experience from which “The Witcher” can’t shake free.

Chase Hutchinson

Hemsworth himself acknowledged the pressure of taking over the role from Henry Cavill. He told media earlier this month, “There was quite a bit of noise and I had to put that aside… I love making movies and I love telling stories and acting. I just don’t want any of that to affect my way of telling the story that I’m trying to tell. I jumped off social media and the internet most of last year.”

The Continent has shifted, and Ciri's at the centre of it. The Witcher Season 4 drops on 30th October. pic.twitter.com/mEIeSg9CZg

— The Witcher (@witchernetflix) October 7, 2025

Netflix announced Cavill’s departure in 2022. Showrunner Lauren Hissrich confirmed the decision had been planned for a while. Cavill left to focus on other projects, including Warhammer 40K and the Highlander reboot. Hemsworth, a fan of The Witcher video games, said he was “as surprised as anyone” when he got the role.

To prepare, Hemsworth studied the books and previous seasons rather than copying Cavill. He aimed to highlight Geralt’s protective nature, connecting it to his own upbringing with a father in child protection, while also bringing out the character’s humor and humanity beneath his tough exterior.

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