When Netflix announced that it was making a series adaptation of The Witcher books & games, Henry Cavill immediately approached the platform for the lead role. Cavill actively campaigned for the role before he was selected from among 200+ actors to play the role. Even if it meant he had to wear a long golden-haired wig that made him look like Emilia Clarke’s Khaleesi from Game of Thrones.
The Man of Steel actor carried the makeup for three seasons of the show before giving up the role due to creative differences with the makers. Liam Hemsworth will take on the role next, and it is to be seen how he will fare in the Khaleesi-like wig.
Henry Cavill Admitted To Looking Like Emilia Clarke’s Khaleesi In The Witcher
The Witcher came as the necessary fantasy world for fans of the genre to celebrate, especially at a time when there was no longer Game of Thrones. The comparisons between both worlds were obvious, but fans largely discussed one funny comparison during the time. When lead man Henry Cavill appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2019, he had a few things to share about the comparisons.
Jimmy Kimmel showed the pictures of Cavill as Geralt of Rivia and Emilia Clarke as Khaleesi and jokingly pointed out the resemblance due to the golden hair. The Tudors actor played into Kimmel’s joke and shared that he modeled his character in The Witcher based on Khaleesi. He went on to add that he made people call him ‘Khaleesi’ or ‘Emilia’ or “mother of dragons” on set. Cavill shared with Jimmy Kimmel:
“I modelled myself off Khaleesi. I made people call me Khaleesi or Emilia on set… no eye contact, I want to be Emilia or Khaleesi. Call me mother of dragons, I’m fine.”
Cavill had read the original book series by Andrzej Sapkowski and was a long-time fan of the video game adaptations by CD Projekt Red. Despite knowing The Witcher series like the back of his hand, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich only found Cavill to be the perfect fit after he auditioned for the role. Cavill was ready to transform himself into the book-accurate character.
However, Hissrich had to make some interesting choices and changes for the character, as she revealed in her interview with Gizmodo. For one, Cavill performed all of his stunts and action sequences in the film. Additionally, Hissrich had written more dialogues for the character, which were drastically cut as Cavill managed to convey a lot through his looks and grunts.
Henry Cavill’s Makeup For The Witcher
Henry Cavill’s long, flowing, golden-white hair was not at all easy to maintain in The Witcher. In the first season, Cavill revealed that he used a bald cap base to wear his wig. However, by the second season, his makeup did not involve the bald cap. Cavill took to Instagram to share one photo from his makeup room of The Witcher during its second season production. This season was shot during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Cavill revealed that instead of a bald cap, they were using 2 types of medical tape and some glue. He sarcastically remarked that removing the wig was a joy. He also thanked his makeup artists, Jacqui and Ailbhe, who both had the “deft touch of angels” according to Cavill. He wrote on his Instagram:
“No bald cap this year. Just pounds of 2 types of medical tape and some glue…. Removal is a joy. Jacqui and Ailbhe here, though, have the deft touch of angels. Jacqui more so an Angel of Vengeance, but that’s all part of her charm. Oh and for those who may be worrying. All of us are Covid cleared and bubbled. We get tested twice a week up here in Kaer Morhen!”
All three seasons of The Witcher are currently available for streaming on Netflix. An animated film, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, and a prequel miniseries, The Witcher: Blood Origin, was also released on Netflix.
