A new advertising campaign for the third season of Netflix’s The Witcher has been criticised on social media by fans for being cringe.
The first five episodes of the new season of the fantasy title arrived on Netflix last week. It is a significant moment in the show’s history, as it will be the last time Henry Cavill will play the protagonist Geralt of Rivia. Liam Hemsworth is replacing him in the fourth and fifth chapters.
As many fans reacted negatively to the news of Cavill’s departure, to respond to their criticisms, Netflix has projected a bold message onto a handful of notable UK landmarks, reassuring them that Cavill is still in the show for season three. “Yes. He’s still Geralt in Season 3,” the message reads, which was cast onto places like the White Cliffs of Dover and Edinburgh Castle.
Whilst some fans took the stunt lightheartedly, praising its humorous angle, others took offence, labelling it cringe and an affront to Liam Hemsworth’s talent for when he eventually takes over from Cavill.
Elsewhere, some cast members have shared their sadness at Cavill’s decision to leave The Witcher, with one being Anya Chalotra, who plays the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg. “That news was hard to take because he’s family. We’ve been together for five years. So for anyone to leave after working with someone for that long, we’re going to feel that loss,” she explained to The Telegraph.
Chalotra was disappointed to discover that the pair’s final scene was already shot when Cavill announced his decision. Creative differences between the actor and showrunner Lauren Hissrich have allegedly fueled his sudden departure. Chalotra continued, “When we are all on set, we’re dedicated to playing these characters and bringing them to life in the best way. And that is exactly what I felt every day from Henry.”
See photographs of the stunt below.