Geralt is back – but not in the way many wanted
Since October 30, 2025, a new witcher has been battling his way through the dark continental chaos of The Witcher world. Liam Hemsworth steps into the iconic, scarred role that Henry Cavill made so popular. It’s a controversial change that divided the fan base for months – and has now culminated in harsh reviews. According to current figures on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have given the film a positive rating of around 53 percent. The fan verdict, on the other hand, is downright devastating at 18 percent.
Yet the plot actually offers enough material to generate enthusiasm. Geralt is desperately searching for Ciri, Yennefer is gathering an army of sorceresses behind her, and Ciri herself goes undercover in a dangerous gang under the name “Falka.” What sounds like epic fantasy, however, does not come across that way to many viewers.
Early on after its release, it becomes clear that “The Witcher” is in a crisis of confidence. According to viewer feedback, the series has been “increasingly confusing and lifeless” not just since now, but since season 2. This criticism has been echoed by several international media outlets. The Guardian, for example, only gives it “2 out of 5 stars.”
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Great action scenes, but the world seems bloodless
But a complete crash looks different. Some voices are bravely holding their ground. Monster designs, magic showdowns, new characters – and a Geralt who, according to industry portal Collider, “credibly carries the inner struggle.” Liam Hemsworth may not be Cavill, but he is “surprisingly strong” in moments when the witcher struggles with his demons.
Nevertheless, the central criticism remains as alive as a nekker in the moonlight: the series is losing its soul. Storylines are getting lost, the atmosphere is evaporating. One critic calls it “pure nonsense.” And even those who give it a positive review admit that the continent no longer has the same impact it once did.
Added to this is possible “review bombing,” triggered by the emotionally charged debate about the Geralt change. Facts are therefore difficult to separate from fan frustration. IMDb still rates the series 7.9 out of 10 stars—a figure that, however, is based on all seasons combined.
There is still a glimmer of hope, however: Season 5 has already been filmed and is set to herald the finale. “What if it turns out really well?” asked one fan online. A question that is currently bigger than any monster slain.
