By Jon Scarr
The Witcher is back on Netflix and if you have been waiting to see how the show handles Geralt’s recasting, you can finally press play. Season 4 brings Liam Hemsworth into the role and introduces Laurence Fishburne as Regis, a centuries-old barber-surgeon who also happens to be a vampire. All eight episodes are streaming now. Netflix filmed this season back-to-back with Season 5, which will close out the series. Knowing the ending is already locked made me curious to see how Season 4 sets up the finish.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich said the team wanted to push characters to their limits before wrapping their story. With the final books left to adapt, it already feels like the pieces are moving toward a bigger payoff.
A New Geralt Takes the Stage
Netflix shared a short teaser ahead of release where Hemsworth walks across a murky stretch of land with Geralt’s medallion visible on his chest. It is the first time fans get to see him fully in costume. A second clip shows him slaying creatures in the shadows, which gives a small taste of how he moves in combat.
I found myself watching closely to see whether his take on Geralt leans closer to Cavill’s brooding style or something different, and those early shots hint at a mix of both.
Where Season 3 Left Us
Season 3 scattered the core trio. Geralt nearly died at the hands of Vilgefortz and needed time to heal. After hearing Nilfgaard claims to have seized Ciri, Geralt heads out again with Jaskier and Milva. Fans already know Nilfgaard does not have the real Ciri, and that tension makes following both threads more interesting.
Ciri lands in the Korath Desert, fights through isolation, and ends up with a teenage rebel group called The Rats. Watching her adopt a new identity felt like a sharp turn, but it sets up a different side of her for Season 4.
Yennefer takes on leadership at Aretuza as she processes loss and responsibility. It finally feels like her story is confronting what she has been running toward for seasons.
Season 4’s Focus and the New Faces Shaping It
Season 4 scatters Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer and leaves each of them leaning on unlikely allies. The idea of choosing found family has always been baked into the books, but it lands differently now knowing we are heading into the final act.
That shift also shows up in the cast. Laurence Fishburne arrives as Regis, which feels like the moment the show signals it is entering late-game territory for longtime fans. Sharlto Copley’s Leo Bonhart, James Purefoy’s Skellen, and Danny Woodburn as Zoltan round out the new arrivals. If you know the books or games, seeing these names show up probably brought a small grin.
What Happens Next for Ciri, Yennefer, and Vilgefortz?
Season 4 gives Ciri space with people her age as she travels with The Rats. Whether she lost her powers or simply refuses to use them is a thread that lingers across episodes. It was interesting watching the show lean into identity over spectacle for her.
Yennefer is rebuilding Aretuza and discovering what kind of leader she wants to be. Her arc feels like it finally reaches the question she was circling for seasons. Vilgefortz remains a looming presence, and the show spends time unpacking how long he has had his hands in political events. If you like spotting breadcrumb trails, this season asks you to pay attention.
Hemsworth’s Legacy, Netflix’s Witcher Spin-Off, and How to Watch
Hemsworth joining the series felt like the biggest unknown going in. Having seen him carry The Hunger Games films, I was curious how he would settle into a character this established. Early footage at least shows commitment, so I am watching to see how his version evolves.
Netflix released The Rats: A Witcher Tale alongside Season 4. It fills in the group’s backstory, their trauma from Nilfgaard, and why Leo Bonhart becomes their hunter. If you want context before diving deeper into Ciri’s arc, it fits nicely.
All eight episodes of Season 4 are streaming now on Netflix. Season 5 is already filmed, which makes this season feel like the calm before the real ending lands.
Have you checked out Season 4 yet, and what did you think of Hemsworth’s Geralt?