One can contribute the success of Lauren Schmidt Hissrich’s The Witcher to its elaborate fantasy setting and compelling storylines. However, it would be criminal to not acknowledge Henry Cavill’s immaculate portrayal of Geralt. Not only did he completely immerse himself into the character, but also impressed everyone with his stunts in action sequences. Cavill nailed the portrayal of the monster-hunting Witcher, setting a benchmark that will not be very easy to surpass. 

Despite having an expansive resume of working in fantasy-adventure and action movies, Cavill’s action sequences were not free of flaws. A professional swordsman sat down to scrutinize Cavill’s fighting scenes from The Witcher. And it was not entirely positive!

Dissecting Henry Cavill fight scenes from The Witcher

Producer Ju Shardlow brought a weapon expert, Dave Rawlings, to Business Insider to break down all the popular sword-fighting sequences from the fantasy drama. The London Longsword Academy Master-At-Arms pointed out all the aspects he felt were lacking from the action choreographer’s direction. In one of the scenes, Geralt carries a long sword on his shoulder. Reacting to this Rawlings said that in historical European martial arts, it is “really really frowned upon”, however, there are conjectures that people used to still do it. 

In context to the series, Geralt walking with the sword on his shoulder, without a scabbard, made sense, as it was necessary for his character to be ready at all times. He also expressed his discontent with the excessive use of reverse grip in the action sequences and said, “I have issues with this particular fight”. As per the Rawlings, it was not safe as the technique sacrifices the fighter’s ability to fend above. Nevertheless, he did appreciate Cavill’s organic physicality as an action hero and gave him an eight out of ten.

While Rawlings was critical of Cavill’s sequences, the choreographer of the show disagreed a little with him. 

When The Witcher choreographer was all praises for Henry Cavill

Every ardent follower of Cavill would know about the star’s dedication to bagging the role of Geralt in Hissrich’s series. And it was not because he knew the show to be a huge success. But it was his love for the original Witcher games and books that made him obsessed with the role. The Man Of Steel actor poured his heart and soul into the project and even refused to take the aid of any doubles for his action sequences. And this was something even Wolfgang Stegemann agreed with.

While talking to UNILAND, he revealed how Cavill did all his stunts on his own. Apart from that, he also went on to choreograph some of the iconic fight scenes with Stegemann, including the Blaviken and Shaerrawedd fight. Stegemann even shared how Cavill was “deeply involved in the whole process”.

What do you think about Dave Rawlings’ judgment of Henry Cavill’s fight sequences? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!