Liam Hemsworth Addresses Replacing Henry Cavill in The Witcher

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Liam Hemsworth is reflecting on his White Wolf training.  

Following his debut as Geralt of Rivia in the fourth season of *The Witcher*-a role formerly played by Henry Cavill-the actor discussed how he dealt with the fans’ response to the change in cast.

Liam, 35, explained to Entertainment Weekly that he had to block out distractions during filming. He’s faced similar issues before, but ultimately, his passion for filmmaking and storytelling is what matters most. He wants to focus on delivering the story he envisions without outside interference.

Fans of the Netflix show were surprised when Henry Cavill, age 42, announced he would be stepping down from his role as the white-haired monster hunter in 2022, with Liam Hemsworth taking over. There was initial speculation that Henry left to play Superman again, but he later clarified that he wouldn’t be returning as Clark Kent.

As Liam began preparing for the next season of the show, scheduled to premiere on October 30th, he discovered a renewed dedication to his monster hunting practice.

The Hunger Games actor told EW that they quit social media and largely stayed off the internet for most of last year.

Liam was just as surprised as anyone when showrunner Lauren Hissrich asked him to play Geralt. Hissrich explained that his name had been suggested by fans of *The Witcher* for a long time, and she was interested in seeing what he would bring to the role previously held by Henry Cavill.

She told *Entertainment Weekly* that Liam is incredibly dedicated to his work. She explained that he understood the pressure of taking on a well-known role and was determined to maintain consistency while also making the character his own.

Lauren isn’t alone in being open-minded about Liam taking over the role of Geralt. Several actors from *The Witcher* franchise, like Michelle Yeoh – who played Scían in *The Witcher: Blood Origin* – have also expressed a neutral stance on the recast.

She told TopMob News in December 2022 that she was very impressed with Henry’s work, and she’s curious to see what Liam will do next.

Keep reading to see more popular roles that were almost given to other actors…

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He shared on Josh Horowitz’s podcast, *Happy Sad Confused*, in May 2024 that he struggled with bad skin both as a teenager and again after finishing college.

In a 2021 interview, the actor from *American Pie* shared that turning down a particular role is one of his biggest regrets. He explained that he was questioning whether he wanted to focus on television at the time, and wasn’t sure he was ready for that career path. He admits that now, it sounds a bit arrogant to say that, but that’s how he felt then.

Casting director David Rapaport revealed to EW that he initially wanted Alden Ehrenreich for the role of Dan, but producers felt Ehrenreich, who is 5’9″, wasn’t tall enough to be Blake Lively’s on-screen love interest. Ultimately, the role went to Penn Badgley, who is roughly the same height as Ehrenreich, according to online sources.

In his 2014 memoir and again on Marc Maron’s podcast, actor Rob Lowe shared that he declined the role that eventually went to Patrick Dempsey on *Grey’s Anatomy*. He jokingly estimated the decision cost him around $70 million, but added, “It’s just money.” Lowe explained that he saw the show’s pilot and when the character was nicknamed ‘McDreamy,’ he knew it wasn’t a good fit for him.

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his roles in *Sherlock* and as *Doctor Strange*, once tried out for the part of vampire Bill Compton. Ultimately, the role went to Stephen Moyer.

Before becoming an Oscar nominee, Jessica Chastain auditioned for the role of Sookie Stackhouse, but Anna Paquin ultimately landed the part.

When she was 17, Jennifer Lawrence auditioned for the role of Crystal Norris, a werepanther, and was a strong contender. However, because of her age, the role ultimately went to Lindsay Pulsipher.

Tiffani Thiessen, known for her roles in *Saved By the Bell* and *Beverly Hills, 90210*, revealed she tried out for the part of Rachel on *Friends*. However, producers felt she was too young for the role.

Katherine Langford, known for her role in *13 Reasons Why*, actually auditioned for the part of Betty Cooper on *Riverdale*. Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica on the show, revealed this, saying they met a potential Archie actor while getting falafel.

Most fans can’t picture anyone but Jennifer Love Hewitt as Jen on *Dawson’s Creek*, but the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, recently shared that Katherine Heigl was seriously considered for the part. Steve Miner, who directed the pilot episode, suggested Heigl – who had starred in his 1994 film *My Father the Hero*. Williamson remembers Heigl appearing more mature for her age and giving a fantastic audition. He said the whole team was impressed with her performance.

Katie Holmes became a star thanks to her role as Joey Potter, Dawson Leery’s friend and love interest, but she almost didn’t get the part. According to the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, Selma Blair was originally cast in the role. However, Williamson told *Entertainment Weekly* that a last-minute audition tape from Katie Holmes, sent from her family’s basement in Toledo, Ohio, completely changed his mind and ultimately led to her being cast.

Actress Lori Edelstein came very close to being cast as Carrie Bradshaw in *Sex and the City*. She had a signed contract and was waiting for the show’s producers to give her the go-ahead, but Sarah Jessica Parker was always their first choice. According to Edelstein, the role was hers if Parker turned it down. It’s hard to picture anyone *but* Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie, but Edelstein’s story makes it clear she was a serious contender.

Originally, The CW considered Ashley Olsen for the role of the stylish and popular Serena van der Woodsen, but casting director David Rapaport was determined to cast Blake Lively. He told Buzzfeed he was worried they wouldn’t be able to get Lively, or that she wouldn’t be a good fit, because he believed the show’s success depended entirely on her, and he didn’t have a backup plan.

The CW initially considered Rumer Willis, who would later win *Dancing With the Stars*, for the lead role in *Gossip Girl*. However, casting director Rapaport felt she wasn’t the right fit, and ultimately cast her on *90210* instead. He explained to Buzzfeed that he favored less established actresses because they better embodied the spirit of the show and were key to its six-season success. He expressed his admiration for Willis, noting her growth as an actress and person, but believed the show needed someone who truly captured its unique essence.

Before Keke Palmer landed her role on Fox’s comedy-horror series *Scream Queens*, she was a contender for the part of Iris West on *The Flash*. Ultimately, Candice Patton got the role. Casting director David Rapaport explained to Buzzfeed that while they liked Candice from the start, they weren’t ready to make a decision yet. They tested both Keke Palmer and another actress, but felt they appeared too young alongside Grant Gustin. When they brought Candice back for another audition, Rapaport said there was an instant connection.

Iwan Rheon recently revealed to The Telegraph that he was a finalist for the role of Jon Snow during the casting of the Game of Thrones pilot. Ultimately, Rheon ended up playing Ramsay Snow – a character many viewers came to despise in season 5 – while Kit Harington became beloved as Jon Snow. It’s hard to picture things any other way!

Josh Schwartz, who worked with Chris Pratt on the last season of *The O.C.*, shared that Pratt was originally his top pick for the lead role in *Chuck*. However, Pratt ended up becoming famous for *Guardians of the Galaxy* instead. Schwartz joked that it was a good thing it worked out that way, adding that Pratt is a genuinely kind person.

Katie Holmes, known for her role in *Dawson’s Creek*, spoke with *Orange Is the New Black* creator Jenji Kohan when the show was first being developed, Kohan shared. While Holmes was a fan of the series, Kohan told TopMob News that Holmes had other commitments at the time. Kohan also noted that early on, it wasn’t clear what *Orange Is the New Black* would become.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by ‘what ifs’ in entertainment! It’s wild to think how different our favorite shows could have been. Did you know Cobie Smulders – yes, Robin Scherbatsky from *How I Met Your Mother* – originally auditioned for the role of Kate Austen in *Lost*? It’s amazing how casting choices can shape everything we love about TV!

Cobie Smulders shared in a 2014 interview with TopMob News that both she and Evangeline Lilly auditioned for the show *Lost*. Smulders jokingly explained that she did so poorly in her audition that Lilly was able to succeed, and Lilly expressed her gratitude!

While most people think of *The Good Wife* as Julianna Margulies’ breakout role, she wasn’t the first choice for the part. The Emmy-winning actress recently shared that the studio initially considered Ashley Judd and Helen Hunt for the lead role before offering it to her.

It’s difficult to picture anyone *but* Sarah Michelle Gellar as the vampire slayer in Sunnydale, but Katie Holmes was originally offered the part! She decided to focus on finishing high school instead, which ultimately led to Gellar getting the iconic role.

The part that ultimately went to Edie Falco was first offered to Lorraine Bracco, but the Oscar nominee declined, explaining she’d already played a similar role in *Goodfellas* and was looking for a new challenge.

Before finding fame on the show *Empire*, Taraji P. Henson shared that she once auditioned for the role of Olivia Pope on *Scandal*. She admitted that when she went to read for Shonda Rhimes, she felt it was a role meant for Kerry Washington and wondered why she was even being considered. She knew the part belonged to Washington.

Believe it or not, Gillian Anderson-known for playing Agent Scully in *The X-Files*-was offered a part in *Downton Abbey*! She ultimately decided against it, and the role ended up going to Elizabeth McGovern.

 

Though it’s now difficult to picture anyone but Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert in The CW’s popular show, she wasn’t the network’s initial pick. The producers were ultimately won over after revisiting her audition tape, recognizing her talent and beauty.

The famous singer was offered the main part in a show starring Bill Cosby, but she decided to focus on her music instead.

For fans of *Sex and the City*, Sarah Jessica Parker is synonymous with Carrie Bradshaw, but Dana Delany was originally offered the part. The Emmy-winning actress turned it down because she’d previously worked on projects with mature content – like *Nude Girls* and *Exit to Eden* – and didn’t want to star in something with “sex” in the title.

You know, it’s funny how things work in this business. Jerry Seinfeld actually *offered* Paul Shaffer – David Letterman’s longtime bandleader – a spot on his show, completely on trust, without even asking for an audition! But Paul, for whatever reason, just never got back to Jerry. It just goes to show, even a great opportunity needs a response, right?

AMC initially wanted Jane to play the role of Don Draper, but Jon Hamm revealed in a podcast that she turned it down because she wasn’t interested in being a regular on a TV series. Ironically, he later became the star of HBO’s show, *Hung*.

The man named Sexiest Man Alive in 2010 was once considered for a role on Joss Whedon’s show, but he turned down the part of Xander. He told The Toronto Star in 2008 that he was a fan of both the show and Whedon, but didn’t want to play a high school character.

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2025-09-26 18:19