Why Henry Cavill Is Right For The Witcher TV Series, As Explained By Showrunner

Netflix announced this week that Superman actor Henry Cavill will play Geralt of Rivia in the upcoming TV show based on the books (not the games). Now, showrunner Lauren Hissrich has revealed that she either met with or reviewed "hundreds" of other actors for the role before deciding on Cavill. So what was it about him that sold Hissrich on casting him?

As a fan of the Witcher franchise, Cavill was able to see "beyond the script pages" and into who Geralt is as a character," Hissrich explained.

"I met Henry in April. Over the next four months, I met/reviewed hundreds of other potential leads, many of whom were amazing," Hissrich said on Twitter. "But what I never forgot was Henry's deeply insightful understanding of Geralt's strength and brutality, and more importantly, his wit and vulnerability.

"Because as a fan of the franchise, Henry saw beyond the script pages. He saw the human connection that Geralt perpetually needs, even if he denies it, kicking and screaming at every turn. What I saw was Geralt's heart, in Henry."

It's not known what other actors tried out for or expressed interest in playing Geralt. Cavill playing Geralt is the only piece of casting news announced so far.

In other news, Netflix is now aiming to premiere the show in 2019, it seems. Previously, the show was expected out in 2020.