"Everyone can have their version": The Witcher showrunner responds to criticism as season 4 premieres

The premiere of The Witcher season 4 on Netflix has reignited fan controversy, mainly because of the highly publicized recasting of the show's lead, Geralt of Rivia, with Liam Hemsworth replacing fan-favorite Henry Cavill, after the latter exit the show in 2022. In response to the wave of criticism, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich stated that the show is an adaptation and "everyone can have their version of The Witcher."

Fans have also criticized the adaptation for diverging from the original Andrzej Sapkowski novels, with a few pointing to a controversial line in the new season's trailer as evidence of the character straying from his source material portrayal. The Witcher season 4 aired on Netflix on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with all episodes releasing simultaneously.

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The Witcher season 4 premiere ignites backlash over Geralt recast and trailer Line, as showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich defends adaptation

A still from the show's trailer (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

A moment from the show's recent trailer has become a focal point of this controversy: Hemsworth's Geralt rallying his companions with the dialogue, "Let's f**king move." This dialogue stirred up a significant reaction because many fans believe that the phrase is out of character for Geralt, who is typically known for his quiet and reserved demeanor.

Showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich addressed the backlash, defending the line by explaining that within the context of the action scene, it is an appropriate and "kickass" thing for "our Geralt" to say. She further urged fans to view the moment within the full scene rather than breaking down the particular scene alone. In an interview with Radio Times published on October 27, 2025, she stated:

"Let’s f**king move! It's one of those lines. I mean, you never know what is going to be controversial. You never know what's going to work. If prior to season 1 airing, you would have told me that ‘Toss a coin to your Witcher’ was going to be a hit, that's it's wild to me. What I think is, that line in the context of the battle that we're in – it makes total sense. It's also a kickass line."

She further added:

"It's one of those things that it's like, you may go, 'Oh, that's not what my Geralt would say.’ Well, it is. It's what our Geralt would say. And in this moment, it suits it perfectly. So I'm eager for audiences to take those moments from the trailer and actually see them in the context of the scenes."

Liam Hemsworth initially wasn't sure to take over the role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill, who announced his exit from The Witcher in 2022. However, speaking to RadioTimes before season 4 premiere, The Hunger Games star stated:

"I think what excited me the most was where Geralt is at this part of the story – his emotional state, and where he's heading. I think he's in a very real place of change and a place that I don't think he's been in often in his life."

The Witcher season 4 follows the Continent-altering events of Season 3, picking up with the central trio separated by war. Geralt is on a desperate mission to find his daughter Ciri with the help of Jaskier and Milva. Meanwhile, Ciri has embraced a darker path, joining the gang of outlaws known as The Rats and using the alias “Falka.”

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The Witcher season 4 is now streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Suchita Patnaha