The Witcher Season 4 arrived on Netflix earlier today, and the first wave of reviews has followed. They're decidedly mixed, with critics divided on Liam Hemsworth's take on Geralt of Rivia (the actor replaces Henry Cavill in the role).
Despite a positively reviewed second season, the series has never been a critical darling like Game of Thrones, for example. However, things are looking dire for The Witcher's return, as its current Rotten Tomatoes score is a "Rotten" 56% based on 18 reviews. On the fan-generated "Popcornmeter," it has 18%.
As a reminder, previous seasons have been scored 68% (Season 1), 95% (Season 2), and 79% (Season 3). A drop to 40% is steep, and suggests critics are ready to see the series end. Will fans agree?
The Witcher has often been criticised by them, so whether this latest batch of episodes—Hemworth's casting marks a fresh start, of sorts, for this penultimate season—can win them over is TBD. Still, with so much pre-existing scepticism surrounding the recasting, the odds are stacked against it succeeding.
The Guardian writes, "While his predecessor invested Geralt I with a gruff likability, Geralt II is less 'valorous man-mountain grappling with responsibilities beyond our ken' and more 'bollard in a wig.'" Radio Times concurs. "Hemsworth does his best with the material he’s been given, but his delivery and performance often falls flat – which may just prove the final straw for many long-time viewers."
Slash Film was similarly unimpressed, explaining, "'The Witcher' sets up some major book moments in the end, but the impact of these familiar stakes feels dull, like a weapon that hasn't been sharpened in ages. The potential inherent in Sapkowski's world is immense, but the Netflix adaptation squanders it with season 4, which is the weakest entry in the franchise so far."
The Wrap was also light on praise when it came to Hemworth's Geralt. "Though it was always a tall order for Hemsworth to step into Cavill’s big shoes as the lead of an established ensemble beloved by the show’s audience, the new Geralt never rises to the occasion."
IGN had a more positive take. "Even with the Cavill/Hemsworth shake-up, The Witcher sticks to its guns (er, swords) and delivers a decent season of magic and mayhem." The same goes for GamesRadar+. "By ditching the aspects that didn’t work and keeping what did, The Witcher Season 4 is a better, more focused, and most importantly, more fun season of the show."
The site added that Season 4 features "some great action, big stakes, and an Empire Strikes Back-style setup for Season 5."
Variety notes, "In a much sharper and less convoluted season than the previous one, 'The Witcher' Season 4 is action-packed and full of dazzling characters both old and new. It acts as a reset, ironing out the confusing conflicts and plot points that have long plagued the series."
Adds CBR, "While many viewers have already written off the series, it may be time for them to give Season 4 a chance as Liam Hemsworth proves that he was the right choice to take over as the iconic monster hunter of The Continent."
Regardless of reviews, The Witcher will return for a fifth and final season. Most critics haven't been overly kind to Hemsworth, but the actor had big shoes to fill and isn't being unanimously panned, so that's a plus.
In The Witcher Season 4, Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri find themselves separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge and their goals sharpen, they stumble on unexpected allies eager to join their journeys. And if they can accept these found families, they just might have a chance at reuniting for good.
The cast includes Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya Allan as Princess Cirilla of Cintra, Joey Batey as Jaskier, Laurence Fishburne as Regis, Meng’er Zhang as Milva, Sharlto Copley as Leo Bonhart, and James Purefoy as Skellen.
The Witcher Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix.