The Witcheris supposed to be Netflix’s big fantasy franchise, but criticisms of recent seasons andHenry Cavill’s recastingraise questions about whether it’s living up to the streamer’s expectations. Fortunately, it looks likeNetflix just found the perfect replacement, especially ifThe Witcherseason 4’s Geralt recast doesn’t work out. AlthoughLiam Hemsworth’s commitmentto the role — andwork onThe Hunger Gamesfranchise— inspires confidence that the series can still end strong, it’s possible viewers won’t be able to get past the lead actor change.
If this proves true,Netflix’s recent seven-figure fantasy acquisitionoffers a viable replacement franchise. The company’s willingness to invest so heavily in another fantasy book adaptation suggests thatNetflix is recommitting to the genre, even after big cancelations likeWarrior Nun, Kaos,andShadow and Bone. While the two properties have some major differences,Netflix’s upcomingQuicksilveradaptation could become its big fantasy staple ifThe Witcherseason 4 fails.
Quicksilver Can Replace The Witcher As Netflix’s Premier Fantasy Franchise
The Adaptation Of Callie Hart’s Story Also Has Big Potential
Netflix adapting Callie Hart’sQuicksilveris big news after thenovel’s BookTok success, and its established fan base suggests it will be a hit for the streaming service — though the same could have been said ofShadow and Bonebefore its cancelation. Still,Quicksilveroffers exciting possibilities, especially with Hart revealing that she intends to write a trilogy with potential spinoff books after (viaCallieHart.com).This means Netflix will have plenty of content to adapt, allowing it to create a vast fantasy world on par with that ofThe Witcher.
Netflix’s Huge 7-Figure Fantasy Deal Is A Good Sign For Hulu’s Court Of Thorns & Roses Show
Netflix’s seven-figure fantasy deal for this BookTok series is a good sign for Hulu’s heavily delayed A Court Of Thorns & Roses adaptation.
Of course, withQuicksilverfalling more firmly in the romantasy category thanThe Witcher,it’s certain to be a much different type of fantasy franchise when it hits Netflix. Even so, it could become the face of the genre for the streamer, which isn’t having much success competing with the likes ofHouse of the DragonandThe Rings of Power.If Hulu’sCourt of Thorns & Rosesshow and Amazon’sFourth Wingshow come to fruition, it will be even further behind when it comes to big fantasy titles.Quicksilvercould change that ifThe Witcherseason 4doesn’t.
The Witcher & Quicksilver Can Coexist, But Only If Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt Works Out
The Witcher’s Legacy Is Riding On The Response To Its New Geralt
Due to the differences betweenThe WitcherandQuicksilver,they can also coexist on the platform — assuming Hemsworth’s stint as Geralt of Rivia proves successful.The Witcherhas made mistakeswhen it comes to faithfully adapting Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material, but it can still turn things around during its last two seasons. The show’s major recasting makes that more challenging, but Hemsworth could surprise us as the series' lead. If he does an impressive job after Cavill’s exit,The Witchermight be able to go out on a high note.
The Witcherseason 4 is expected to premiere in 2025.
And if that happens, Netflix may have two successful fantasy titles in its lineup, both of which appeal to different audiences and tastes. This would be the best possible outcome for the streaming service, though only time will tell ifThe Witcherseason 4 allows it to happen. If not, at least Netflix will have another chance to get a foothold in the genre withQuicksilver.
The Witcher
Cast
The Witcher, released in 2019, follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter navigating a turbulent world where humanity’s darker nature often eclipses the monstrous.
