Henry Cavill, known for portraying Superman in the DC Extended Universe, shocked fans when he admitted his secret hobby was playing The Witcher, a medieval fantasy game in which players ride flying horses, hack off limbs, and explore a fantastical world. The actor’s enthusiasm for the game was well-documented, and he frequently voiced his desire to see it turned into a film or television series.
Fate had other plans for him, but in 2017 it all worked out so he could play the legendary Geralt of Rivia. But it wasn’t easy for Cavill to get the part; he had to overcome some challenges and doubts. Cavill convinced showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich that he was the best person to play Geralt thanks to his dogged perseverance and dedication to the role.
Henry Cavill’s Gamer Dreams Come True
Henry Cavill, an avid gamer, had a special place in his heart for The Witcher games. He longed to be Geralt, the charismatic monster hunter, and experience the world through his eyes. Cavill’s anticipation skyrocketed when Netflix announced it was working on a limited series adaptation of The Witcher, Andrzej Sapkowski’s first book in the series.
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This was his opportunity to join the world he had come to love. Despite his enthusiasm, Cavill had a tough time convincing the show’s producers that he should play Geralt. Meeting with showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, who had not even started writing the script, was the first obstacle.
Hissrich gave in to Cavill’s annoyingly persistent persuasion. She agreed to meet grudgingly and stressed that the show had not been approved and that there was no promise of anything happening.
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich toiled away at the script, but Henry Cavill’s resolve never wavered. The showrunner confirmed that the actor “was really annoying” and constantly harried his representatives with reminders and requests to make a play for the part.
“He was really annoying. I finally said, ‘I will meet with you. The show is not green-lit. There is nothing.’ I said, ‘Thank you. Now I have to go write the show.’”
Despite warnings that the show’s producers were not prepared, Cavill insisted on moving forward with the opportunity.
Henry Cavill’s Triumph of Dedication and Passion
Henry Cavill was so committed to his role as Superman that he put in countless hours of training with a sword, both on set and off. The Man of Steel actor felt the weapon’s heft as an extension of himself and immersed himself in Geralt’s headspace, internalizing the character’s physique and psyche.
Cavill’s enthusiasm for the part never wavered as Hissrich wrote the script and casting began. The scriptwriter considered 206 actors for the role of Geralt but was ultimately convinced by Henry Cavill’s British baritone and intuitive grasp of the character.
It became clear that he was the ideal choice for the role of Geralt because he personified everything that the character stood for. Hissrich conceded that Cavill’s dogged persistence played a major role in swaying her opinion.
Source: Vulture
