The Witcher fans say 'won't be watching' as Netflix confirms fifth season will be its last

Netflix have teased a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming fourth series of The Witcher. It also confirmed that its fifth season would be its last.

In a 50-second clip shared by the streamer, the cast reunited for a table read. It saw Liam Hemsworth take the place of Henry Cavill as Geralt, as well as returning cast members Freya Allan as Ciri and Anya Chalotra as Yennefer.

The Australian actor is set to play the monster slayer for the final two seasons. Cavill had previously played the titular character since the show began in 2019. However his stint ended last summer, with his final appearance in season three, part two.

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Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich told Netflix; “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Andrzej Sapkowski’s books to an epic and satisfying conclusion. It wouldn’t be our show if we didn’t push our family of characters to their absolute limit — stay tuned to see how the story ends.”

The fourth and fifth seasons will cover Sapkowski’s three remaining books: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans didn't seem particularly excited about the update.

Watch The Witcher's behind-the-scenes teaser video below.

@UnknownRGR2000 moped: "Henry was the best thing about this show and he’s gone……" as @poor_nana777 complained: "Won't be watching. Couldn't even finish season 3".

Sharing a GIF of Cavill as The Witcher, @Stunneri commented: "It will never be the same, only one Witcher" as @couca_elisa agreed: "Frankly They should have stopped the series when Henry Cavill left because he will always be our Witcher..."

Back in June, The Witcher fans threatened to boycott any further seasons following Cavill's departure. In October 2022, Cavill announced he would be stepping down and replaced by Hemsworth from season four onwards.

Just days before the news broke, it was confirmed Henry would reprise his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe. But ironically, House of Cards actor David Corenswet has since taken over as the iconic superhero.

The Witcher fans took to social media to vent their frustration at the time, as the show's third season launched. Posting on Twitter, @JVJDesigns said: "Final season for me" while @prviouslyskinny agreed: "Best believe this is the last season I'll ever watch".

Cavill confirmed his departure from The Witcher via a statement on Instagram in 2022. He told his 25 million followers: “My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4. In my stead, the fantastic Mr Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf.

“As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam's take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”

Meanwhile Australian actor Hemsworth said he was “over the moon” to be given the opportunity and “honoured” to be handed the reins from Henry. He said: "Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”

Though neither Netflix or Cavill have confirmed the reason for the departure, fans have speculated he stepped down because his vision for the show did not align with the writers’ plans and the shows differences to its source material, of which Henry is known to be a fan.

Cavill was set to reprise his Superman role after playing the comic book icon in 2013's Man of Steel, 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017's Justice League. In a twist of fate, that all changed. DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran decided to shake things up and cast House of Cards actor David Corenswet for the upcoming Superman: Legacy film instead.

Returning to Instagram at the time, Cavill addressed the situation. He wrote: "After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that.

"James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes."

All three seasons of The Witcher are available to stream now on Netflix.