Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series and starring the British actor Henry Cavill, Netflix’s The Witcher has become one of the most popular shows on the streaming platform. However, fans were surprised when the star of the show announced his departure after Season 3. While the actor did not reveal any specific reason for his departure, rumors started circulating that he was not pleased with the makers’ approach to the adaptations.
Numerous reports even claimed that Cavill, a dedicated fan of the books and games, was discontent with the lack of respect for the source material among the makers. The Witcher author seemingly confirmed these claims in an interview as he revealed that Netflix humiliated him and overlooked his input and feedback for the adaptation.
The Witcher Author Andrzej Sapkowski Claimed Netflix Ignored His Suggestions
Speaking at the Vienna Comic-Con in November 2023, The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski talked about the Netflix adaptation of his fantasy novel series. When asked if he has given any input in the Netflix series, he revealed that they never took his suggestions or feedback for the show.
“Maybe. I gave them some ideas, but they never listened to me,” Andrzej Sapkowski said before adding, “But it’s normal.” Sharing an encounter with a Netflix executive, he recalled their dismissive words for him, saying, “Who’s this? It’s a writer, it’s nobody.”
The show’s deviations from the source material have been one of the biggest issues among fans. It is also believed to be one of the reasons for Henry Cavill’s departure from the show, as one of the writers of the Netflix adaptation has claimed that writers of the series “disliked” and allegedly mocked the books and games.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich came out with a statement denying such claims, stating that the “writers’ rooms are sacred and safe and — more than anything — supportive spaces.” However, many still believe otherwise, particularly due to Cavill’s departure, as he was committed to starring in the show till the very last season.
Henry Cavill Was Committed to Stay With The Witcher
Henry Cavill has been quite open about his love for several games and novel series, one of them also being Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher. He has shared that he gave his all upon learning about the Netflix adaptation and was adamant about landing the role of Geralt of Rivia.
In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor talked about his commitment to Lauren Schmidt Hissrich’s vision for the show. Answering the question, he said that he would tag along this journey “as long as we can keep telling great stories which honor [author Andrzej] Sapkowski’s work.”
Cavill has also said that he is very “effusive about being loyal to the source material.” Such statements have fueled the speculations that the show-makers’s approach to the source material has potentially been the reason behind the Argylle star leaving the show. The Australian actor Liam Hemsworth will be replacing Cavill in The Witcher Season 4.
The Witcher is available to stream on Netflix.
