The Witcher is supposed to be Netflix’s big fantasy franchise, but criticisms of recent seasons and Henry Cavill’s recasting raise questions about whether it’s living up to the streamer’s expectations. Fortunately, it looks like Netflix just found the perfect replacement, especially if The Witcher season 4’s Geralt recast doesn’t work out. Although Liam Hemsworth’s commitment to the role — and work on The Hunger Games franchise — inspires confidence that the series can still end strong, it’s possible viewers won’t be able to get past the lead actor change.
If this proves true, Netflix’s recent seven-figure fantasy acquisition offers a viable replacement franchise. The company’s willingness to invest so heavily in another fantasy book adaptation suggests that Netflix is recommitting to the genre, even after big cancelations like Warrior Nun, Kaos, and Shadow and Bone. While the two properties have some major differences, Netflix’s upcoming Quicksilver adaptation could become its big fantasy staple if The Witcher season 4 fails.
Quicksilver Can Replace The Witcher As Netflix’s Premier Fantasy Franchise
The Adaptation Of Callie Hart’s Story Also Has Big Potential
Netflix adapting Callie Hart’s Quicksilver is big news after the novel’s BookTok success, and its established fan base suggests it will be a hit for the streaming service — though the same could have been said of Shadow and Bone before its cancelation. Still, Quicksilver offers exciting possibilities, especially with Hart revealing that she intends to write a trilogy with potential spinoff books after (via CallieHart.com). This means Netflix will have plenty of content to adapt, allowing it to create a vast fantasy world on par with that of The Witcher.
Of course, with Quicksilver falling more firmly in the romantasy category than The Witcher, it’s certain to be a much different type of fantasy franchise when it hits Netflix. Even so, it could become the face of the genre for the streamer, which isn’t having much success competing with the likes of House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power. If Hulu’s Court of Thorns & Roses show and Amazon’s Fourth Wing show come to fruition, it will be even further behind when it comes to big fantasy titles. Quicksilver could change that if The Witcher season 4 doesn’t.
The Witcher & Quicksilver Can Coexist, But Only If Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt Works Out
The Witcher’s Legacy Is Riding On The Response To Its New Geralt
Due to the differences between The Witcher and Quicksilver, they can also coexist on the platform — assuming Hemsworth’s stint as Geralt of Rivia proves successful. The Witcher has made mistakes when it comes to faithfully adapting Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material, but it can still turn things around during its last two seasons. The show’s major recasting makes that more challenging, but Hemsworth could surprise us as the series’ lead. If he does an impressive job after Cavill’s exit, The Witcher might be able to go out on a high note.
The Witcher season 4 is expected to premiere in 2025.
And if that happens, Netflix may have two successful fantasy titles in its lineup, both of which appeal to different audiences and tastes. This would be the best possible outcome for the streaming service, though only time will tell if The Witcher season 4 allows it to happen. If not, at least Netflix will have another chance to get a foothold in the genre with Quicksilver.
