by As the leading star of Netflix’s hit dark fantasy series The Witcher, based on the popular books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, Henry Cavill has brought Geralt of Rivia’s adventures to life on screen. Now that the first two seasons have wrapped production, Cavill has opened up to look back on the highs and lows. While overwhelmingly positive about the experience and proud of the show’s success, he also acknowledges room for improvement and lessons learned for future seasons.
After initially struggling to land the role of Geralt, once committed Cavill went all in – reading Sapkowski’s books, playing CD Projekt Red’s video games, and embracing the grueling physical demands of the character. “It’s been a dream come true to play this rich, complex character,” Cavill explained. However, capturing Geralt’s essence proved daunting at times. “It took me awhile to fully grasp his stoic nature and subdued emotions. Geralt speaks sparingly and contains his true feelings, which was challenging for me to convey while ensuring the audience connects with him.” With more seasons to come, Cavill aims to better reveal Geralt’s inner life mainly through subtle facial expressions.
Regarding production, Cavill focused most critique on the frantic pace required for the first season’s nonlinear three-timeline structure. “It was like solving an intricate puzzle, crisscrossing between different periods in the characters’ lives,” he described. “As a result, there was little time to step back and assess creative choices. It was pedal to the metal without roadmaps planned too far ahead.” If afforded more lead time for future seasons, Cavill would advocate for detailed scripts and shot lists completed well in advance to enable more preparation and deliberation during the filming process itself.
In terms of character relationships and plot points, Cavill called out Geralt and Ciri’s initial bond as the season one area most lacking and rushed. “These two lost souls were destined to come together as father and daughter figures. I don’t think we gave that climactic reunion scene enough screen time or emotional investment it deserved,” he lamented. Likewise, he believes the love story between Geralt and Yennefer would greatly benefit from extended dialogue and more organic nurturing in subsequent seasons. “I’d prefer we slow down a bit and really ground their connection in formative shared moments the audience gets to witness firsthand.”
While not citing any major qualms with the show’s visually stunning production design, breathtaking locations, and gritty practical monster effects, Cavill did suggest budget increases from Netflix would be welcome. In particular, he pointed out that elaborate action sequences like the first season’s Blaviken marketplace fight could happen more frequently with a few more coins from the streaming giant’s bursting coffers. “We’ve really just scratched the surface of conveying Geralt’s sword fighting prowess and the intense magical elements across our fantasy landscapes.”
When asked about which specific moments stood out as his proudest so far, Cavill instantly highlighted Geralt’s fight with the striga monster to lift Princess Adda’s curse in season one. “That whole episode showcased Geralt’s skills at both monster hunting and detecting. And I think his relationship with Foltest is one of the adaptation’s best expansions from the source material,” Cavill argued. As a bonus, he also raved about the fan-favorite bathtub scene with Geralt and Jaskier philosophizing. “It was such clever, concise writing that drops clues about Geralt’s perspective on life as an aging warrior facing new threats in this world.”
Hovering around a standout supporting character, Cavill heaped immense praise on Joey Batey’s performance as the witty bard Jaskier, whose songs provide levity and cultural commentary. “Joey brought such warmth, humor, and depth to Jaskier. He adds a unique fellowship and acceptance that cuts through Geralt’s loner mentality,” Cavill analyzed. Reports suggest an increased role for the fan-favorite Jaskier in upcoming seasons, news Cavill seems to welcome: “I just love all our bizarre adventure scenes together on the path.”
While comparisons between Netflix’s version and the hit video game series from CD Projekt Red seem inevitable, Cavill made it clear he does not view ellos as in competition. “The games have their own special magic pioneered by CDPR. But for different mediums, we aimed to craft an inspired complementary adaptation true to Sapkowski’s essence.” All the same, Cavill acknowledged perhaps leaning too heavily toward the games’ visual depictions rather than Sapkowski’s words alone during early conceptualization. “The worlds, characters, costumes, and graphics CDPR designed are extraordinary. But the books should have remained our primary reference point.”
When asked about what witcher mutations or signs he wished Geralt could have but doesn’t, Cavill cracked a grin before deadpanning that perhaps rainbow teleportation portals or a unicorn mount might spice up Geralt’s mythic monster hunting arsenal and traversal methods. Joking aside, he added “Geralt’s core magic abilities actually impress me far more after learning their complexity hands-on. I gained greater appreciation for how even simple signs like Aard require real effort and take genuine physical and mental resilience to channel effectively.”
As a Brit portraying the distinctly Eastern European character, Cavill also faced challenges perfecting Geralt’s accent and regional mannerisms. “That was hugely intimidating, but I embraced top dialect coaches to help modulate my voice and speech patterns.” Still, Cavill worries moments may linger where his native English accent slips through despite extensive efforts to sound authentic.
Addressing criticisms regarding the show’s diversity and casting choices compared to descriptions in Sapkowski’s novels, most prominently Anya Chalotra’s Yennefer, Cavill acknowledged “valid debates exist around adaptation interpretations.” However, he maintained “the producers’ vision for evolved representation and inclusion enriches rather than detracts from the Continent’s vivid escapism.” Careful to avoid wading publicly into charged cultural disputes, Cavill diplomatically encouraged open-mindedness regarding how beloved fictional worlds can expand beyond the page to screen.
Elaborating on Chalotra’s rendition of the morally questionable mage Yennefer specifically, Cavill called her performance utterly captivating. “The sorceress’ turbulent past and fierce ambitions complicate Geralt’s life profoundly, with Anya perfectly embodying Yennefer’s complexity.” Behind the scenes, Cavill described how they pushed each other constantly to deeper acting heights as former Temerian academy classmates turned chaotic lovers. “Our characters share tons of chemistry but also painful betrayals. Anya keeps me on my toes with her bold, unpredictable choices!”
Slogging through cold Hungarian winters and isolating coronavirus bubbles for months of taxing night shoots, Cavill feels inspired gratitude toward the full cast and crew who pour intense dedication into bringing the Continent alive through their craft. “These talented, hard-working people deserve immense credit. Every costume stitch and CGI beast takes this all well beyond me just waving a silver sword around,” Cavill winked.
Asked whether he feels typecast at risk of just becoming “The Witcher guy” moving forward, Cavill responded he holds no fears about being overly associated with Geralt into the future. “I poured so much of myself into this character. Geralt and the extraordinary universe he inhabits shall always have a special place in my heart, no matter where my career journeys next.” Though vague about specific acting projects on the horizon, Cavill assured he has booked exciting new roles quite distinct from the white-haired monster hunter.
So after two epic seasons establishing Geralt of Rivia and company within the sprawling Continent, what comes next for Cavill’s wagon-dragging warrior? “I know vague tidbits about the writers’ plans for season three helmed by our new showrunner. But I’m hungry for more details!” Comparing notes with Andrzej Sapkowski himself about later books, Cavill hinted at a darker path ahead: “without spoiling anything, Geralt and Ciri face twisted ordeals challenging body and soul. And even allies like Yennefer or Triss Merigold can’t be fully trusted during the saga’s next phase.” Teasing climactic battles on the way, he further advised fans brace for heartbreaking tragedy and betrayal striking heroes old and new. But Cavill remains eager to portray whatever triumphs and tribulations lie ahead on the path.
In closing, while summarizing his broad outlook on Netflix’s blockbuster fantasy epic moving forward, Henry Cavill emphasized he feels only more zealous about portraying Geralt after two seasons under his belt: “This incredible world with its endless creative frontiers still feels largely untapped to me. With future seasons, I want to dive deeper into Geralt’s mind and flesh out unexplored corners of the Continent.” Simultaneously self-critical about past shortcomings but unrestrained in ambitions for the future, Cavill seems determined to make the most of this career-defining opportunity for as long as The Witcher’s adventure continues.
