Henry Cavill’s Close Call: Did a Near Career-Ending Injury Threaten ‘The Witcher’ Season 2?

Published 08/06/2023, 8:30 PM EDT

via Imago

Henry Cavill, despite his premature exit from The Witcher, has undeniably endured trials for the sake of his craft. The former Superman actor has consistently showcased an exceptional dedication to the physical demands of his roles. A commitment he honed to perfection while embodying Geralt of Rivia on the Netflix series. In an almost unofficial capacity, Cavill assumed the role of a stunt coordinator during The Witcher season 3, orchestrating intricate fight sequences and actively participating in the action.

This unwavering commitment was previously demonstrated in Mission: Impossible — Fallout. During the second season, a comparable decision nearly placed Cavill on the perilous path of a life-threatening injury.

A brush with danger: Henry Cavill had his narrow escape

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Cavill’s devotion to his craft knows no bounds. His commitment to portraying Geralt authentically, in alignment with Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material, translated into his embrace of physically demanding sequences. A testament to this was when stunts during a woods scene in season 2 resulted in a severe injury. His zeal nearly led to tearing his hamstring, a reminder that even monster hunting comes with its own risks. In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter Cavill revealed, “I was very lucky that it wasn’t a complete detachment of the hamstring.”

Intriguingly, Cavill’s determination prevailed, with his shooting schedule for The Witcher season 2 adapted to accommodate his recovery. Deferring physical scenes to the schedule’s end, he worked through his injury, avoiding further harm. He followed a rigorous physiotherapy regimen, which included early-morning aerobic sessions, muscle stimulation, and an intense workout. This routine culminated in his arrival on the set by 7 am.

DIVE DEEPER

Top 5 Moments From ‘The Witcher’ Season 2 Featuring the Star-Studded Cast of Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and More

almost 2 years ago

Beyond that, Cinematographer Romain Lacourbas lauded Cavill’s unwavering commitment during the filming of the show, applauding his innovative input and approach.

Henry Cavill and his unyielding dedication

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Season 2 delved into a realm of tension and action, continuing the saga as Geralt’s path crosses with Ciri’s, a reunion stemming from Geralt’s earlier claim of the Law of Surprise. The season undoubtedly has many details that fans may have missed. But Cavill’s dedication was not one of them. Romain Lacourbas, the cinematographer behind the fantasy show’s second season, applauded Cavill’s unwavering commitment to his role.

via Imago

Cavill’s dedication to embodying Geralt extends beyond discussions, as he overcame injuries and training challenges to deliver exceptional performance. Lacourbas praised Cavill’s collaborative and professional demeanor on set, highlighting his deep understanding of the source material. This devotion not only enriched the series but also resonated with fans who appreciated his genuine passion for the characters.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

DIVE DEEPER

Wolfgang Stegemann Explains One of the Most Iconic Fight Scenes From ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Volume 2

about 1 year ago

Did you know about this hamstring injury? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Riva Khan

680 articles

Riva Khan is an entertainment reporter at NetflixJunkie. Given her love for the language and writing, she has honed her narrative skills from a young age. She loves her latest tea in Hollywood and keeps an eye on the news.

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK