Picture: Netflix
Though we’ve solely simply bought entry to the primary half of Henry Cavill’s swansong as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s Witcher adaptation, we’ve identified for a superb whereas but the actor was on his manner out of the Continent for good. However Netflix is, bizarrely, utilizing that truth to lure viewers again—whereas feeling prefer it’s negging its personal casting alternative within the course of.
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To rejoice the primary quantity of Witcher’s third season hitting the streaming platform final week, Netflix launched a worldwide advertising push that, uh, primarily includes dragging incoming Geralt of Rivia, Liam Hemsworth. Projected billboard campaigns showing in places throughout the UK merely stating “Sure, he’s nonetheless Geralt in season 3,” in reference to the truth that Henry Cavill hasn’t fairly hung his swords up on the present but, have drawn ire not only for re-reminding folks of the extremely unpopular choice to re-cast The Witcher’s major star, however due to how dismissive the billboards really feel in regards to the choice itself within the first place.
It’s not the primary time latest Netflix advertising’s tounge-in-cheek strategy to self-awareness has backfired—bear in mind its “Animation is cinema” billboards on the peak of the stream’s push to drop and lower animated initiatives from its slates?—however there’s something particularly absurd in regards to the Witcher state of affairs. After all, filming meant that sooner or later the streamer was going to need to get it out early that Liam Hemsworth was operating round in a white wig and leathers as an alternative of Henry Cavill, so we have been at all times going to know prematurely about Geralt’s recasting. However combining the controversy of that preliminary announcement—little has been stated formally in regards to the causes for Cavill’s exit from the collection, whereas rumors have been left to unfold like wildfire—with the truth that Witcher followers have needed to sit with the information for therefore lengthy Netflix thought it essential to re-poke the bear is, suffice it to say, taking place a bit weirdly.
And that’s even earlier than you get to the actual fact the marketing campaign feels bizarrely petty in direction of Liam Hemsworth who… Netflix employed to switch Cavill within the first place! What was the necessity to put him within the crossfire of already aggravated followers, anyway? Netflix is way from the primary, and might be removed from the final, huge behemoth of an leisure firm wielding the language of fandom to seem relatable on this method—they usually’re removed from the primary or the final to have it again fireplace and simply make them look extremely out of contact, both.
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