Netflix Drops The Witcher Season 4 Amid Controversy
Excitement turned to disappointment for fans of The Witcher as Netflix released Season 4 on October 30th. The casting change from Henry Cavill to Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia set the tone for a rocky start. Reviews have poured in, and the verdict is clear: Season 4 has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 18%. Some fans even went as far as to call the series «more of a parody or rather a mockery of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books«.
Previous Seasons’ Ratings on Rotten Tomatoes
- Season 1: Tomatometer 68%, Popcorn Measurer 88%
- Season 2: Tomatometer 95%, Popcorn Measurer 54%
- Season 3: Tomatometer 79%, Popcorn Measurer 20%
- Season 4: Tomatometer 56%, Popcorn Measurer 18%
Netflix’s The Witcher is based on Sapkowski’s books, which also inspired best-selling video games. The series follows Geralt, a mutated monster hunter, as he navigates a treacherous world filled with monsters while protecting his newfound family from looming threats.
The season kicks off with a voiceover introduction to Hemsworth’s Geralt, setting the stage for his solitary journey after leaving Yennefer and Ciri. However, key scenes that fans anticipated are rushed through in an introductory montage, leaving some viewers wanting more.
Amidst discussions about Hemsworth’s suitability for the role, rumors of Cavill’s departure due to conflicts with writers have surfaced. While some find Hemsworth’s performance surprising, others remain unimpressed.
One reviewer remarked, «While his predecessor invested Geralt I with gruff friendliness, Geralt II is less ‘a brave man-mountain facing responsibilities beyond our understanding’ and more ‘a bollard in a wig.’«
Not only is Hemsworth under scrutiny, but the hurried pace of the story within Sapkowski’s rich world has left many wanting. Netflix has showcased its potential for greatness, making the lackluster delivery of Season 4 all the more disappointing.
Future of The Witcher
The Witcher will conclude with Season 5, filmed alongside Season 4 and expected to premiere late next year. Netflix has quietly introduced a spin-off titled Rats: A Witch’s Tale, along with derivative series like The Witcher: Origin of Blood, The Witcher: The Wolf’s Nightmare, and The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep for fans craving more from this universe.
Despite the controversy surrounding Season 4, fans eagerly anticipate the show’s future, hoping for a return to the quality that made The Witcher a beloved franchise.
