Netflix has marked the start of production on The Witcher, its television adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy series, with the first official photo of star Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia. Considering that the casting caused some controversy among the fans who weren’t sure about Cavill in the role… well, they may remain unconvinced.
Aside from the fact that he more resembles the Highlander, that wig does not seem to be impressing anyone. A sampling of Tor.com office Slack reactions:
“he’s got lego snap-on fantasy hair”
“they didn’t even try to blend it at the hairline, even Legolas didn’t look this wrecked”
“i have no faith in this man’s vineyard running abilities”
“good god maybe they’ll photoshop it out and he’ll just be weirdly bald”
There’s also an unintentionally hilarious potion-drinking screen test:
Get your first look at Henry Cavill in The Witcher! pic.twitter.com/1O2eWS1MkP
— Netflix US (@netflix) October 31, 2018
Lest you think we’re just commenting on Cavill-as-Geralt, there’s also some casting news! Joining the ensemble are Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks: The Return) as Cahir, Joey Batey (Knightfall) as Jaskier, Lars Mikkelsen (House of Cards) as Stregobor, Royce Pierreson (Wanderlust) as Istredd, Maciej Musiał as Sir Lazlo, Wilson Radjou-Pujalte (Hunter Street) as Dara, and Anna Shaffer (Hollyoaks) as Triss. They join Freya Allan (The War of the Worlds, Into The Badlands) as Ciri and Anya Chalotra (The ABC Murders, Wanderlust) as Yennefer, among others.
The official synopsis, from Netflix:
The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.
The Witcher is expected to premiere sometime in 2019.
