Doug Cockle, the voice actor renowned for his grizzled portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher video games, expressed sadness over star Henry Cavill's announced departure from the television series.

Netflix announced in late October that Cavill, who embodies the role of Geralt on the series, will leave the small screen streaming production after the end of Season 3. Speaking with Eurogamer, Cockle, who has been using his distinct voice to play Geralt since the 2007 original game, became the latest prominent figure to voice regret about the casting change. "Well I think it's really sad,” he said. "And there's a lot of people speculating on the reasons why he's decided to leave, but whatever the reason is, I think it is sad, because Henry, he did a fabulous job as Geralt of Rivia."

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Cockle, the 52-year-old actor, began working in the early 1990s, eventually getting into voicing video game roles with Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos in 1999. Theater and movie work followed, including a part in the Steven Spielberg-produced Band of Brothers (2001). Taking up residence in the UK, his main work is now as a lecturer teaching acting at Bournemouth University. He also notably fielded a minor onscreen role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing a young doctor in the 2011 entry Captain America: The First Avenger.

When The Witcher's Two Geralts Met

Cavill and Cockle met in person when the former -- a self-professed super-fan of both Andrzej Sapowski’s The Witcher novels and CD Projekt Red’s video game series -- invited the latter to attend the London premiere of the Netflix show’s first season. Cockle recalls how the pair spent a couple of hours chatting and discussing the character of Geralt and the intricacies of the role. "He felt the same way I do about him not being an emotionless being, and I think we can see that in his performance," he recalled.

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Cavill played Geralt for two seasons, starting with its 2019 inaugural season, and will be seen again in Season 3 which is expected to arrive in 2023. Going forward, however, Cavill will be replaced in Season 4 by Liam Hemsworth (brother of Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth), best known for his roles in The Hunger Games Trilogy and Independence Day: Resurgence. The incoming star was said to be among various actors considered for the role of Geralt before the production settled on Cavill. This history purportedly influenced Netflix’s decision when it came to recasting the character for Season 4.

However, Cockle is not unsympathetic to Hemsworth's situation. "I feel for him, man," he added. "Because I don't know that I've seen a lot of Liam's work [...] but it's an impossible position. Because as an actor, you don't want to turn an opportunity like that down, but at the same time, he's stepping into some big shoes, you know."

Regardless, controversy and speculation over the reasons for Cavill’s reluctant departure have led to a petition being organized through Change.org in an attempt to see him reinstated in the role. At press time, it has gathered over 200,000 signatures.

The Witcher Season 3 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix sometime in summer 2023.

Source: Eurogamer