Summary
- Cavill's departure from The Witcher was due to creative differences on how Geralt should be portrayed, leaning towards faithful book adaptation.
- Since leaving The Witcher, Cavill's career has not slowed down, with potential franchise-based projects like Highlander and Warhammer 40,000.
- Personally, Cavill's life has changed as he is expecting his first child with Natalie Viscuso, finding fulfillment in both personal and professional aspects.
Henry Cavill and The Witcher were synonymous with one another. Given the level of fandom that Cavill had with the story and with Geralt, he was able to embody the character in both looks and action. As such, it was a shock to both audiences and his castmates when Cavill quit the series after Season Three.
At the time, it appeared that Cavill was not destined to be a long-lasting part of a franchise. First, with his role of Superman not being reprised, and then with The Witcher, it was unclear what direction Cavill's career was going. Little did Cavill know what his life had in store for him.
From his personal to his professional lives, Henry Cavill's life has changed in big ways since he left The Witcher.
Why Henry Cavill Left The Witcher
Henry Cavill likely left The Witcher because of creative differences over the script and development of Geralt
Cavill has never come out to say specifically why he left The Witcher after Season Three. However, it was clear that there were some differences of opinion on set about how Geralt should be portrayed.
Cavill wanted to play Geralt more like he was portrayed in the novels. Executives, scriptwriters, and the showrunner wanted an adaptation of the novels. This is very likely what eventually led to Cavill's departure from the series.
"It’s important for me to have the character be three-dimensional. And it’s tricky to do, as I was saying earlier, because there’s a certain vision and there’s a certain set storyline and plot," Cavill explained.
"And so, it was about me trying to find Geralt’s place within that. All of my asks and requests were along the lines of just being faithful to the source material."
While those behind the scenes appreciated Cavill wanting to be so faithful to what was written, it did not translate well from the novels to screen the lengthy speeches Geralt gave. They had to pare down the amount of dialogue from the novels to make it palatable to audiences while still keeping the integrity of the storyline in place.
"In simplest form, we need writers fighting for the spirit of the books, and the intention of the author," explained showrunner, Lauren D. Hissrich. "And also writers who know that novels can’t be a 1:1 adaptation to TV, because characters can’t speak for hours on end without interruption."
As much as Cavill loved the character of Geralt, it appeared that he would rather not play him at all, if the books could not be more closely followed as the series unfolded.
What Henry Cavill's Career Has Looked Like Since The Witcher
Henry Cavill's career has the potential to be franchise-based given the projects he has on the horizon
Since leaving The Witcher, Cavill's career has not slowed down. He continues to take roles, some of which may just turn into franchises if they are done properly.
Cavill has been attached to Highlander since 2021. The project is going to delve deeper into the characters than the original films did. As such, there is great promise that Highlander will turn into a successful franchise in the future.
"Obviously, I watched [Highlander movies] when I was a lot younger, and have since rewatched. But also the TV show. I really enjoyed the lore behind it," Cavill explained.
"That sense of a tragic warrior, with more of a story to tell than just a cool guy with a cool sword doing cool things. And this goes even deeper into that."
Additionally, Cavill starred in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. The film was both critically acclaimed and did well at the box office. There have been teasers to make the film into a series as well. One of which came from Jerry Bruckheimer.
"It depends on the audience. If they show up, we'll certainly want to [make another one]," Bruckheimer said. "We're going to start developing something, but we have high hopes. We think the movie is terrific on our test screenings, plays very well with an audience."
Cavill is also developing Warhammer 40,000 game into a franchise. This video game development is the brain-child of both Cavill and his partner, Vertigo Entertainment vice president, Natalie Viscuso. The two announced in 2022 what their plans were for the development.
"For 30 years I have dreamt of seeing a Warhammer universe in live action," Cavill wrote via Instagram. "Now, after 22 years of experience in this industry, I finally feel that I have the skill set and experience to guide a Warhammer Cinematic Universe into life."
After the announcement, Cavill went into a bit more detail about his plans for the franchise.
"I can’t say too much." Cavill said. Again, it’s early days still, but to have this opportunity to bring it to the screen and be at the tiller so it can be faithful is key to me."
This means that despite not being in The Witcher any longer, Cavill could be very busy with three large franchises for some time to come.
Henry Cavill's Personal Life Has Changed Completely Since The Witcher
Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso are expecting their first child together
While filming The Witcher, Cavill was dating a few people. But, it was not until Cavill met Viscuso that things changed.
There have always been questions as to why the relationships that Cavill has been in do not last. He was able to be in long-term relationships, including a relationship with a girlfriend that Cavill had a 13 year age gap with, but they have never gone anywhere.
That streak broke when Cavill and Viscuso started dating in 2021. Not only were they in a long-term relationship together, but, as of April 2024, Cavill and Viscuso are expecting their first child together.
"I’m very excited about it," Cavill explained about his impending fatherhood. "Natalie and I are both very excited. I’m sure you’ll see much more of that."
While he may no longer be a part of The Witcher, what Cavill has ahead of him will be far more fulfilling, both personally, with Cavill becoming a father and professionally, with franchise opportunities. It appears that when one door closed, not just another but several others opened in its place.
