It’s hard to think that season 2 of The Witcher was launched on Netflix in December 2021, with fans anxiously expecting Henry Cavill’s return as Geralt of Rivia.
Their lengthy wait for the season 3 premiere date is nearly over, as the actor leads the cast in an eerie new teaser, ahead of the forthcoming episodes’ release in two parts.
The Witcher follows Geralt, a monster hunter by trade, as he goes on dangerous adventures based on the same-named book series, which also produced a worldwide recognised video game franchise.
The return of the fantasy drama will be bittersweet for viewers because it will be Henry’s final time wielding Geralt’s sword before passing the torch to his replacement, Liam Hemsworth.
Here’s all you need to know about the third season of The Witcher.
When is The Witcher season 3 out? Release dates revealed
While it has long been speculated that The Witcher 3 will be distributed in two parts, Netflix has officially confirmed this.
Both batches of episodes – a total of eight – are set to be released this summer, with Volume 1 arriving on Thursday, June 29 around the globe.
Volume 2 will follow almost a month later, on Thursday, July 27.
This isn’t the first time Netflix has split a season of a popular show into two parts recently, with Stranger Things’ fourth season receiving the same treatment.
Is there a trailer?
The first trailer for The Witcher’s third season has been released, and you can watch it below.
The teaser begins in a foreboding manner, with Geralt opening a creaking door into a mystery corridor.
As he sips a drink, his eyes grow fully dark, perhaps in preparation for a confrontation with a horrific beast or opponent.
Geralt says in a voiceover, grabbing his blade from his back, ‘Now for the first time I realise true dread.’
This is most likely a reference to the developing bond he has with Ciri (Freya Allan), his surrogate daughter, and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), his on-again, off-again girlfriend.
Ciri is shown galloping away on a horse while being pursued by a cloud of smoke, with glimpses of returning individuals seen, including the famed bard Jaskier (Joey Batey).
Yennefer is shown releasing her power while a swarm of warriors fight behind her, and she and Ciri are also seen becoming trapped in a maze while Geralt cries out the princess’ name.
Is Henry Cavill leaving The Witcher?
Last year, it was announced that Henry Cavill would be departing The Witcher, although some fans assumed that his stint as the monster hunter had already ended.
He does, however, have one more season until Liam takes over the mantle from season four.
In October 2022, Henry issued the following statement: ‘Some news to report from The Continent…’ My trip as Geralt of Rivia has been packed with monsters and adventures, but I will be putting down my medallion and swords for Season 4.’
He also addressed the Hunger Games star personally, saying, ‘Liam, nice guy, this character has such a fantastic depth to him, enjoy digging in and seeing what you can uncover.’
‘Henry Cavill has been a great Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s passing me the reins and letting me to pick up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his quest,’ wrote the Australian actor in response.
Who else is in the cast?
Several stars of The Witcher are making welcome returns for season three alongside Henry’s Geralt, including Anya as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya as Princess Cirilla or Cintra and Joey as the bard Jaskier.
Hugh Skinner plays Radovid, Myanna Buring plays Tissaia, Eamon Farren plays Cahir, Mimî M Khayisa plays Fringilla, and Royce Pierreson plays Istredd.
Lars Mikkelsen will play Stregobor, while Graham McTavish will play Dijkstra, Mahesh Jadu will play Vilgefortz, and Mecia Simson will play Francesca, with a slew of other brilliant performers rounding out the group.
The Witcher is available to watch on Netflix.