Filming for the continuation of Netflix's live-action adaptation of The Witcher began in the spring, featuring Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia instead of Henry Cavill. The actor switch has caused quite a stir among fans of the books and games, but now there are rumors that not only Geralt has been recast, but also the actor playing his mentor, Vesemir.
Vesemir appears only in the first book of Andrzej Sapkowski's series, but he is a more significant character in the fantasy-based video games and made his live-action debut in the second season of the series, portrayed by Kim Bodnia. The Danish actor is also well-known for his role in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's spy series, Killing Eve, and he appears alongside Daisy Ridley in the drama The Marshes, as well as having a role in Brad Pitt's upcoming Formula 1 film.
Netflix has paid special attention to Vesemir while expanding the franchise, viewing him as Geralt's father figure. The character's origin story is explored in the animated feature film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, where Theo James voiced the younger version of the Witcher. There is currently no news on who might replace Bodnia in the live-action series; the alleged new casting was reported by Total Film, referencing the Witcher news outlet Redanian Intelligence.
While the creators have yet to confirm this information, it is worth approaching it with caution. However, some fans are already upset about it—though there are also those who wouldn't mind the change so much.
“‘They found the PERFECT Vesemir, and now they’re letting him go,’” Total Film quotes an outraged opinion from social media, with similar sentiments following: “My question is, why is it so important to bring back the character? Vesemir shouldn’t have been recast; he’s not in any of the books except for Blood of Elves.”
At the same time, there are less heated opinions as well: “I’m not that excited about it, [Bodnia] wasn’t terrible in the role or anything, but his Vesemir wasn’t really that noteworthy,” tweeted one viewer. Another put it more bluntly: “I’m not going to lie, I’m happy. I didn’t resonate with his Vesemir. He wasn’t clever and suspicious, and he didn’t have that warm energy that characterized Vesemir in the books and even in the games.”
