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The Witcher: 5 reasons everyone loves Netflix’s new fantasy drama, from star Henry Cavill to the blood and gore

  • Currently the most in-demand show in the world, The Witcher received mixed reviews from critics but has still proved a huge hit
  • We look at why everyone is obsessing over it, such as the great cast that includes Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, MyAnna Buring and Joey Batey

Reading Time:3 minutes
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Henry Cavill at the world premiere of The Witcher in London on December 16. From the moment he opens his mouth and speaks in the first episode, we know the right Geralt has been found. Photo: EPA-EFE
Kevin Kwong

It dethroned Star Wars: The Mandalorian to be crowned “the most in-demand TV show in the world” this week (according to data company Parrot Analytics), and the video game on which the series is based is more popular on streaming platform Steam than when it was launched in 2015.

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Defying mixed reviews from critics, The Witcher on Netflix has cast a powerful spell on gamers and non-gamers alike. Adapted from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s eight-book series of the same title, the fantasy drama features magic, monsters and a mutant leading man – what is there not to like about it?

Here are five reasons why everyone is obsessed with the show or game (or both) right now.

Henry Cavill

There were initial misgivings, especially among Witcher game fans, about the Superman star taking on the title role as Geralt of Rivia. That elfish white wig, the profanity, the rough and gruff look – it is quite a departure from that squeaky clean image of the Man of Steel.

But the moment Henry Cavill opens his mouth and speaks, we know they have found the right Geralt. He sounds just like (if not even better than) the character in the game.

Henry Cavill and Emma Appleton in The Witcher. Photo: Netflix
Henry Cavill and Emma Appleton in The Witcher. Photo: Netflix
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Sapkowski has openly praised the British actor, telling People magazine: “I was more than happy with Henry Cavill’s appearance as The Witcher. He’s a real professional. Just as Viggo Mortensen gave his face to Aragorn [in The Lord of the Rings], so Henry gave his to Geralt – and it shall be forever so.”

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