Netflix’s fantasy juggernaut, The Witcher, is scheduled for an emotional rollercoaster as it braces for the launch of its third season. The new season, which arrives on June 29, is a live-action adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s second Witcher series novel, Time of Contempt. But, the forthcoming journey is bittersweet for fans. It marks the final leg for the series’ star, Henry Cavill, who will pass the monster-hunting baton to Liam Hemsworth.
The season 3 trailer is a wild ride of magic, monsters, and mayhem, with a dash of Game of Thrones-style political drama. We see Geralt of Rivia, played by Cavill, deviating from his usual monster-hunting duties to become a protector. The stoic Witcher is now sworn to guard Ciri, the princess of Cintra, played by Freya Allan, from an array of deadly adversaries. This protective pledge stems from the escalating war on the Continent and the world’s mounting desire to exploit Ciri’s magic and status for personal gains.
Geralt will stray away from his neutrality mantra this season as the Witcher tries to navigate his way through the realm’s dangerous political waters. This complicates his life and forces him to face “real fear” for the first time ever.
Luckily, Geralt isn’t alone. He’ll team up with the sorceress, Yennefer, played by Anya Chalotra, to help Ciri master her magic as the threat of the kingdoms of Redania and Nilfgaard battling for supremacy looms.
Their task is made even more difficult with the appearance of a fire mage making life hell for Geralt, and putting him on the path of an even more formidable foe than any he’s crossed paths against.
The Witcher’s claim of neutrality and emotionless existence is put to the ultimate test for this season as the stakes rise. We’re no longer dealing with monsters and monstrosities here – Geralt’s struggle this time around is more profound and personal.
As has been the case with previous Netflix Originals, the streaming platform will deliver the new season in multiple parts. The first half, composed of five episodes, will drop on June 29, followed by the concluding three episodes four weeks later on July 27.
This split should only further heighten the anticipation and promises an epic finale for Cavill’s journey as Geralt. Fingers crossed, its numbers will reflect that as well.
While Cavill’s departure has stirred a mixed response from fans, his commitment to the character is indisputable. From the onset, Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt has won over fans of the book series and the video game franchise developed by CD Projekt RED. It will be a herculean task for Hemsworth to fill Cavill’s boots when he takes up the role from season 4. Despite this significant change, the Witcher franchise shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, with a fifth season already in the pipeline, it seems the series is geared up for many more adventures on the Continent.
As we bid adieu to Cavill’s Geralt, we can’t help but anticipate a grand send-off worthy of the Witcher’s legacy. The fans are undoubtedly on edge, waiting to see if season 3 can right the perceived wrongs of its predecessor, and whether it can give a satisfying farewell to Cavill’s Witcher.
