With the upcoming Witcher series currently in development for Netflix, the first look at Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia has finally been revealed. With the series expected to release some time in 2019, this is the first official footage from the upcoming series.
Based on the fantasy book series from Andrzej Sapkowski and subsequent video game series of the same name, The Witcher centers around a monster hunter named Geralt (Henry Cavill) whose personal demons stemming from his duties are just as destructive as the literal demons he's forced to contend with. Though the life of a Witcher is frowned upon by many, he perseveres regardless, oftentimes aided by close allies like the sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Geralt's apprentice Ciri (Freya Allan). The upcoming series is created by Lauren Schmidt, who also produced other Netflix series' like Daredevil and The Defenders.
Related: Netflix's The Witcher Casts Ciri & Yennefer, Rounds Out Full Cast
The first official look at Geralt released by Netflix is merely test footage of Cavill in character, but showcases the character's trademark look. With the long white hair, orange cat-like eyes, and a black leather tunic, Cavill enters the dark frame, then shows off the slightest hint of a grin before drinking some unknown substance from a vial (no doubt nodding to the many concoctions players are able to create and ingest in the video game series).
Aside from the first look at Cavill, Netflix also revealed new additions to the cast (via TVLine), including Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks: The Return) as Cahir, Joey Batey (Knightfall) as Jaskier, Lars Mikkelsen (House of Cards) as Stregobor, Royce Pierreson (Spectral) as Istredd, Maciej Musiał (1983) as Sir Lazlo, Wilson Radjou-Pujalte (The Favourite) as Dara, and Anna Shaffer (Class) as Triss.
When it comes to popular franchise adaptations, divisive reactions are inevitable. That said, based on this brief footage alone, Netflix - at the very least - appears to be sticking close to the source material. Aside from Cavill missing Geralt's trademark facial scar (the cause of which audiences will undoubtedly witness in the series), the overall look doesn't appear to be taking too many creative liberties. In fact, while fans of the video game series may be inclined to call out Cavill's missing facial hair, the book version of Geralt preferred to be clean shaven, so Cavill's visual likeness is actually more aligned to Sapkowski's vision than to the way Geralt is more popularly depicted.
The Witcher will stream on Netflix sometime in 2019.