Despite a huge pay day per season, Henry Cavill has announced he’s stepping away from his starring role in The Witcher, only to be replaced by Liam Hemsworth.

The third season of the hit Netflix show is currently filming and is set for release in 2023 (the second season debuted earlier this year). But season three will be the final one for Henry; Liam will step into the role come season four.

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Henry released a statement confirming the re-casting. While he spoke fondly of his time on the series, he didn’t provide an explanation as to why he was stepping away.

“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” the statement said.

“In my stead, the fantastic Mr Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf,” Henry continued. “As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”

Liam also released a statement emphasizing Henry’s great performance in the fantasy series thus far.

“Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure,” he said.

Liam continued, “Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world.”

Netflix hasn’t provided a reason for the re-casting, but there are several theories buzzing around.

It was recently announced Henry would be returning to the big screen as Superman. Forbes notes that the role is more high-profile, so it likely not only offers Henry a larger pay check but also more notoriety.

Henry was making a million dollar salary in The Witcher, however. He was reportedly paid $400,000 per episode in season one, totally $3.2 million for the full eight episodes. With the show in its third season (and given its popularity), Henry’s rate per episode is likely higher now.

However, there’s also been speculation that Henry disagreed with the direction of the show, especially since he previously said he wanted to see the show to its end so long as it remains loyal to the books.

In November 2021, amid The Witcher’s creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich’s comments she wanted the series to last for seven season, Henry said he intended to stay for the full show.

“Absolutely,” Henry said. “As long as we can keep telling great stories which honor [author Andrezj] Sapkowski’s work.”

With reports that the show’s writers aren’t committed to staying true to the original books, Henry may have fallen out of love with the project, prompting the re-casting.

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Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Cosmopolitan, Forbes,