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The latest installment of \"The Witcher\" series on Netflix has launched to a notably subdued reception, achieving its lowest Rotten Tomatoes score to date. This season introduces a new lead actor, Liam Hemsworth, stepping into the iconic role of Geralt of Rivia following Henry Cavill's departure. The change in cast, alongside alterations to the source material's narrative, appears to be a significant factor influencing audience and critical opinion, underscoring the challenges faced by long-running adaptations in maintaining fidelity and fan satisfaction.

\"The Witcher\" season 4 debuted on Netflix with a 50% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark contrast to previous seasons. This figure represents the lowest initial critical reception for the main series. While this percentage is based on a limited number of early reviews, it suggests a potential struggle to win over critics. Furthermore, the audience score, standing at a mere 25% from 50 ratings, reinforces the notion that this season may not achieve the 'Fresh' rating often sought by popular shows.

Comparing the new season's performance to earlier entries in \"The Witcher\" universe reveals a clear trend. Season 1 garnered a 68% critics' score and an 88% audience score, indicating a strong start. Season 2 saw an impressive 95% from critics but a significant drop in audience approval to 54%. Season 3 maintained a respectable 79% critic rating, though audience sentiment further declined to 20%. The animated film \"Nightmare of the Wolf\" achieved universal critical acclaim with 100% and a robust 83% from audiences, while \"Blood Origin\" season 1 struggled with 28% from critics and a dismal 13% from viewers. The recent animated feature, \"Sirens of the Deep,\" received a 58% critic score and a 38% audience score.

A major point of discussion surrounding season 4 is the recasting of Geralt, with Liam Hemsworth replacing Henry Cavill. Cavill's exit reportedly stemmed from creative differences regarding the show's adherence to the original books and his desire to pursue other projects. Insiders and former writers have hinted at disagreements within the production team about how closely to follow Andrzej Sapkowski's literary works, a factor that Cavill himself alluded to when discussing his departure.

As the new season unfolds, viewers are witnessing a narrative where Cavill's portrayal of Geralt is gradually being phased out and replaced by Hemsworth's. Additionally, the storyline from the books has been re-envisioned, notably granting Yennefer a more prominent role. These creative choices, particularly the recasting and story modifications, are likely contributing to the mixed reviews and fan reactions. Despite these challenges, showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich remains steadfast in her vision of adapting Sapkowski's work in a contemporary and thoughtful manner, a commitment that Netflix has supported through significant deals and backing for various \"Witcher\" projects.

Beyond the recasting of Geralt, season 4 brings back familiar faces such as Anya Chalotra as Yennefer, Freya Allan as Ciri, and Joey Batey as Jaskier. New additions to the ensemble include Meng'er Zhang as Milva and the esteemed Laurence Fishburne, who joins the cast as Regis, an ancient barber-surgeon and vampire destined to become a vital companion to Geralt on his adventures. These characters are central to the continuing saga, navigating the intricate world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue.

The fourth season of \"The Witcher\" faces considerable scrutiny following its debut, marked by a critical and audience reception that falls significantly below previous installments. This lower performance can be attributed to the pivotal change in the lead actor and strategic narrative shifts within the series. As the story progresses, the impact of these decisions on the show's long-term trajectory and fan engagement will become clearer, highlighting the ongoing evolution of this beloved fantasy adaptation.