Summary
The WitcherSeason 4 will be a different experience from past seasons. Not only will the Netflix show have a new actor in the lead, but it will also recast another of its major characters.
Netflix’sThe Witcherseries is an adaptation of Andrej Sapkowski’s novels, which also served as the foundation for CD Projekt Red’s popularThe Witchervideo games. The story is set in a fictional fantasy land known as the Continent, where beasts and supernatural beings all collide. Themain character is Geralt of Rivia,a witcher, aka supernatural beast hunter, who sets out to find a young girl named Ciri, who is tied to his destiny.The Witcheron Netflix has received mixed reviews over its three seasons, but its casting has rarely been a point of criticism.
The Witcher Season 4 Loses Another Familiar Face
For three seasons Henry Cavill portrayed Geralt inThe Witcher,before it was announced Liam Hemsworth would be taking over the role for Season 4. Months later it was revealed that Cavill was not the only cast member departing, withKim Bodnia also parting ways with the showdue to scheduling conflicts. The actor portrayed Geralt’s wise older mentor and witcher, Vesemir, who acted as something of a father figure to the remaining witchers at Kaer Morhen. Vesemir was not included in Season 3 ofThe Witcher,which took the action away from the home base of Kaer Morhen. But the character is reportedly included in the upcoming season, according toRedanian Intelligence.
WithBodnia out of the pictureand Vesemir set to return in Season 4 ofThe Witcher,that leaves big shoes for a new actor to now fill. However, it could also serve as an exciting casting announcement and there are a few actors who would be ideal fits for the role.
Which Actor Should Replace Kim Bodnia as Vesemir?
Mark Hamill
Star Warsstar Mark Hamill was a popular choice to play Vesemir prior to Bodnia’s casting. The actor evenexpressed interest in playingThe Witchercharacterover the years. Following his work on Star Wars, Hamill has become a prominent voice actor. However, he returned to play Luke Skywalker as a wise mentor type inStar Wars: The Last Jedi, and can easily be pictured with Vesemir’s white hair and medieval garb. The actor also has plenty of sword training from hisStar Warsdays that he can draw upon. With Bodnia stepping out of the role, perhaps now is the time forThe Witcherto bring in its top fan-cast.
Liam Cunningham
Liam Cunningham is best known for playing the lovableOnion Knight, Davos Seaworth, inGame of Thrones. Seaworth was a confidante, an advisor, and an all-around wise man, similar to Vesemir’s role inThe Witcher.Cunningham also recently appeared in3 Body Problem, where he played the scheming Thomas Wade, who is shown to be strong and strategic in his leadership of Earth’s planetary defenses. It’s easy to picture Cunningham picking up Vesemir’s sword in Season 4 ofThe Witcher, and it might even be a role that allows the actor to stretch his experience in action sequences.
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman has played many mentor characters throughout his illustrious career. He starred as Sirius Black in theHarry Potterfilms and as Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy, both of whom served as loyal confidantes to the main character, but were also characters who held their own in the action as well. Vesemir is a similar character to these, and Oldman has the profile and acting prowess to excel at it. Hisrecent role inSlow Horsesis only a reminder that the actor is getting better with age and it would be great to see him in the fantasy space once again.
Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson is a bit of a wild card choice, but the actor has played both wise mentors and overprotective fathers, both of which are qualities that Vesemir shares. The actor has always been adept at blending warmth and seriousness in his characters and his unique intonement would be excellent for some ofThe Witcher’smore lore-heavy explainer scenes. Neeson is alsowell-experienced in blockbusters and with action sequenceswhich would be useful for a role onThe Witcher. It’s been a while since Neeson was seen in a fantasy setting and his casting would undeniably add star power to the cast ofThe Witcher.
Withfilming on Season 4 ofThe Witcherreportedly wrapping up, the actor who has replaced Vesemir will likely have already filmed their scenes, which means a casting reveal could come any time.
The WitcherSeasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix. Season 4 is in production now.
