‘The Witcher’ Star Anya Chalotra on Yennefer’s ‘New Phase,’ How She Feels About Liam Hemsworth Replacing Henry Cavill

Anya Chalotra has enchanted The Witcher audience as Yennefer of Vengerberg for two seasons, and reprises the role again in Season 3 this time promising a new phase for the sorceress.

Last year, her co-star Henry Cavill shockingly revealed that this season is set to be his last (the role of Geralt will be taken over by Liam Hemsworth), but Chalotra isnt going anywhere. There are so many situations Yennefer hasnt been in yet, the actor tells Variety. And its only until I experience that with the character that I know where she would go, how she chooses to get out of a certain situation or get into one.

Chalotra who was as surprised by Cavills exit as the fans were (We didnt know until after wed filmed Season 3, she says) has already been in touch with Hemsworth by email, and is excited for him to bring a new energy to the show.

Ahead of Season 3, Volume 1 of The Witcher dropping on June 29 (Volume 2 will follow on July 27), Chalotra sat down with Variety to discuss Yennefer and Geralts relationship, her chemistry with Hemsworth and the other projects she hopes to take on some day.

What can you tell us about Yennefers arc this season?

Well, after how we finished last season and that portrayal, shes got a lot of work to do. Shes really got to make it up to Geralt and Ciri or rather, prove that she can be trusted. And figure out what she wants as well. I think a lot of ego has dropped at the end of last season, and so shes in a new phase of her life.

Is there anything that has been in the books that you havent had a chance to do on screen?

Theres a lot that we havent been able to tell. Weve all had to come to terms with the fact that we are doing a different take on these novels. There are so many moments in the books that we all love, and love for a reason, that weve managed to do and have a good go at. And hopefully its affected people, the fans, the people who love the books.

Whats been your favourite part of playing Yennefer so far?

It is quite difficult [to choose]. Id say the costumes are incredible, and just wearing them makes you feel amazing. So thats a highlight.

Are you corseted into them?

I was in Season 1. As soon as Lucinda [Wright, costume designer] came on board [in Season 2], those corsets were out. There are certain dresses that we have to wear that have a more formal structure to them, but not as much corsets. And its a collaboration, so we do get to say what we can breathe in and not, which helps with other physical demands.

But [Yennefers] taught me so much. She goes through this huge transformation and changes so much of her exterior to feel more powerful, but she realises that whats inside still remains, and those insecurities still remain. And its actually the relationships shes developed on the continent that are the things which help her evolve in the way she wants to and make her feel more powerful. So I think thats something that Ive learned from her as well on my journey.

I mean, Ive played this role for five years now. In those formative years Ive gone through that as well, for sure, especially in this industry when social media exists, and so much of my life is online and constantly having to look at myself. Its really helped with that.

Whats it been like working with Henry Cavill, especially as hes so involved in the creative aspects of the show?

Hes very involved in his understanding and portrayal of this character, and its something that hes always been so passionate about from day one, about these characters and this story. Thats all Ive ever known is his dedication to Geralt and to this narrative.

Anya Chalotra (courtesy of Public Eye) Is working with someone whos also a fan of the show quite intense?

No, its a breath of fresh air to have someone to work with that loves the material. It really is. Because he knows more than anyone about the world of The Witcher, and all the rules and regulations and the terms and Witcher knowledge hes up there. So to work with that, its a blessing because there are days when you might disbelieve the world a little bit more than the next. And hes there to go, Hang on, weve got this.

What can we expect to see from Yennefer and Geralt this season?

They come together in this season, and we get to tell another stage of their relationship, which is different to maybe the first season.

Do they get together physically?

I dont know whether I can say. But they are together.

What was it like to find out that Henry was leaving? Did you know before you wrapped that this would be his last season?

We didnt know until after wed filmed Season 3. And its always emotional filming at the end of any season you know, that last scene you do with the people that youve worked with for eight months. Its always like, Aw, but you live in that moment. And we didnt know till post filming.

I think we will all feel that loss. Hes been with us since day one. Weve been through a lot together. Its been five years of not only this world that we have in The Witcher, but COVID all these things that weve gone through together, and its a strong bond. But with anything we do it comes to an end. Henry is moving on from this, and thats really exciting. Weve had a wonderful five years with him, and Im excited for new energy to come in as well. Liam will be brilliant, Im sure. I havent spoken to him yet well, I have spoken to him but I havent met him. So yeah, Im excited for that.

Have you spoken to him on Zoom?

Just on email. We havent had the opportunity [to Zoom] yet.

Is it going to be challenging to play opposite a new Geralt?

I wonder how theyre going to do it. I havent read anything, so I really do wonder how theyre going to bring this character into the audiences life who have been with us for five years. Im excited; its all unknown.

Youve built a unique chemistry with Henry over the last five years. Will that be hard to replicate with Liam?

We havent had a chemistry test. I wasnt part of that process [of his casting]. But Im very excited to see what his Geralt is. And only then will we realise what dynamics we have as a group.

What would you like to do outside The Witcher?

Id love to do a film Ive never done that. Id love to take the pace down a bit. I wonder whether that lends itself to doing a film? Maybe not, I dont know how it works.

I want to do so much. I want to do more theatre its where I started, its what I love. I love the ethos, I love the collaboration, the communication, being with a group of people and looking them in the eye before you do a scene. I love motion capture, I love animation. I love working with my voice. Give me anything. I really want to stretch myself, whatever that may be.

How about writing or directing?

Right now, thats not me. I love editing scripts. I think I see myself more in that vein rather than as a writer or a director right now. As a director, I dont think I have that confidence yet. I dont think I understand myself enough. I think theres so much uncertainty in the world, I feel itd be a daunting task.

Is there a dream role youd love to play?

It hasnt been written yet.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.