The Witcher season four cast changes from Liam Hemsworth to period drama star

Fantasy series The Witcher has made its comeback on Netflix featuring several prominent cast members who might initially be unrecognisable to some audiences.

The show's fourth season welcomes a host of major stars making their first appearance.

Among them is a fresh face and identity assuming the lead part of Geralt of Rivia following Henry Cavill's exit from the programme after the third season.

Several actors are returning to their previous parts, with numerous characters playing vital roles.

This could prove bewildering for audiences. Here's a guide to the cast of The Witcher season four and the characters they portray.

Who portrays Geralt The Witcher in season four?

The White Wolf now commands a fresh and unexpected group of champions at the start of Witcher season four , reports the Mirror. Yet fans will have to adjust to an entirely different performer completing this journey.

Liam Hemsworth is taking over from Henry Cavill in the principal role. Hemsworth has already discussed the challenge of stepping into such significant shoes but has completed intensive preparation to master the part.

He remarked: "By the time I stepped on the set I felt really good and comfortable with a sword Any day I put on the actual body armour ... and then I put the contact lenses in, that's when I really feel immersed in this character."

The Australian actor and sibling of Marvel star Chris featured as Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games pictures and blockbuster follow-up Independence Day: Resurgence.

Which cast members are returning for The Witcher season four?

Despite a change in their leading actor, The Witcher season four will see a number of familiar faces returning to the cast, including key roles. This includes:

• Anya Chalotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg, Geralt's main love interest.
• Freya Allen as Princess Cirilla or Ciri. A descendant of the Elder blood, we last saw her joining The Rats.
• Joey Batey as Jaskier. The bard who is known as Dandelion in the books.
• Meng'er Zhang as Milva. An expert archer taken in by the dryads of Brokilon Forest. She is a key member of Geralt's new ragtag crew. Zhang previously appeared in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
• Jeremy Crawford as Yarpen Zigrin. The Dwarven warrior and long-time Geralt ally.
• Mimî M. Khayisa as Fringilla Vigo
• Cassie Clare as Philippa Eilhart
• Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold
• Therica Wilson-Read as Sabrina Glevissig
• Royce Pierreson as Istred. A mage obsessed with uncovering buried secrets will return despite the character only appearing in one short story. Played by British actor Pierreson who has starred in Line of Duty.
• Mecia Simson as the Elven leader Francesca Findabair
• Mahesh Jadu as Vilgefortz of Roggeveen
• Bart Edwards as Emperor Emhyr Var Emreis.
• Graham McTavish as Redania spymaster Sigismund Dijkstra
• Hugh Skinner as Prince Radovid
• Eamon Farren as Cahir. The Black Rider who has been tracking down Ciri.

Who are The Rats in Witcher season four?

Ciri, under the alias Falka, aligns herself with the Rats as she battles for survival. Here's a rundown of the group:

• Christelle Elwin as Mistle, an enforcer and member closest to Ciri.
• Ben Radcliffe as strategist Giselher.
• Fabian McCallum as Kayleigh, the most fearless daredevil.
• Aggy K. Adams as Iskra, quartermaster and cook.
• Juliette Alexandra as Reef, eagle-eyed lookout.
• Connor Crawford as Asse, the sly pickpocket.

Who is Laurence Fishburne playing in The Witcher season four?

One of the major new additions to The Witcher season four is Laurence Fishburne. Fans may need a moment to recognise The Matrix star as he steps into a pivotal role in this chapter of the show's narrative.

He portrays Regis, a higher vampire with an enigmatic past. It remains to be seen how the character will be depicted in the series but in the books, Regis joins Geralt's party, having renounced human blood and becomes a crucial ally in the search for Ciri.

Fishburne has also featured in the John Wick franchise from its second film as well as the comedy series Black-ish.

Unrecognisable stars join cast for season four.

There are even more stars set to make their debut in The Witcher with season four, whom audiences will have seen before. They have previously starred in iconic sitcoms, period dramas and high-octane action films prior to their Netflix debut.

First up is Sharlto Copley, known for his roles in District 9 and Hardcore Henry, who will be stepping into the shoes of bounty hunter Leo Bonhart. A formidable ex-soldier, Bonhart is tasked with both capturing and eliminating Ciri in the original books.

In addition, Danny Woodburn, best recognised for his recurring role as Mickey in the sitcom Seinfeld, will portray the dwarven mercenary Zoltan Chivay.

James Purefoy, famed for his performances in period drama Rome and crime thriller The Following, is also set to take on a pivotal role as Stefan Skellan, the Emperor's relentless problem-solver.

The Witcher is streaming on Netflix.