Freya Allan Nearly Left The Witcher After Cavill’s Exit
Freya Allan, who portrays Ciri in Netflix’s The Witcher, has shared that she seriously contemplated departing the series after Henry Cavill’s exit. Allan described the emotional impact of Cavill’s departure, calling him the Geralt she grew up with.
Freya Allan, known for her role as Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon—Ciri to most—has been a fixture in Netflix’s adaptation of The Witcher for nearly a decade, spanning four series and with one more yet to come. However, the familiar face of Ciri was almost recast for the final two series. Allan recently revealed that she spent a considerable period weighing up whether to continue after Henry Cavill, the original Geralt, decided to move on following the third series.
With Cavill’s departure, replaced by Liam Hemsworth for the fourth and fifth series, the atmosphere on set shifted. Allan described the third series as particularly challenging for everyone involved.
“I cried because I wanted to finish the show with the guy that played my adoptive father,”
she admitted. The prospect of life beyond the fantasy epic became real for the first time, and the sudden change in the lead role left her feeling unsettled.
“He’s the Geralt I grew up with.”
Unexpected Farewells and Uncertain Futures
Cavill’s decision to leave came as a shock not only to viewers but also to the cast. Allan only discovered the news a day before it became public knowledge. Speculation has swirled regarding Cavill’s reasons for stepping away, with some suggesting he intended to reprise his role as Superman before the character was recast, while others point to creative disagreements over the direction of the series.
Despite the uncertainty, Allan ultimately chose to remain. She resolved to make the most of her time on the production, embracing the opportunity to shape her character’s journey and the series as a whole.
Carrying the Torch for the Source Material
After making her decision, Allan found herself inspired by Cavill’s dedication to Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels. She took it upon herself to advocate for a faithful adaptation, echoing Cavill’s commitment to the source material.
“I really want to give fans what they want,”
she explained. She recalled how Cavill, with his deep knowledge of the books, would champion the inclusion of specific lines and moments. His departure motivated her to step into that role, ensuring the spirit of the novels remained at the heart of the series.
The fourth series of The Witcher is now available to stream, with the fifth and final instalment yet to receive a release date. In the meantime, viewers may find themselves exploring other offerings on the platform as they await the next chapter in Ciri’s story.