In a short clip of Cavill's hair and makeup test, we see him don a leather chestplate, show off a long mane of silvery hair and take a swig of something from a darkened bottle.
A handful of online commentators have already started making comparisons to Orlando Bloom's Legolas from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film franchise — a stark comparison to the rough and tumble adaption of Geralt from the hugely popular videogame series.
Like it or not, though, the Netflix series is expected to arrive in 2019.
The Witcher series of short stories and novels centres around monster hunter Geralt of Rivia and additional hunters named "witchers." The novels have spawned graphic novels, board games, and a 13-episode television series in Poland, as well as the beloved videogame series.
Get your first look at Henry Cavill in The Witcher! pic.twitter.com/1O2eWS1MkP
— Netflix US (@netflix) October 31, 2018
They made Geralt of Rivia look like fucking Legolas, I demand a refund
— RED DEAD SZN (@HQ_4) October 31, 2018
When you wanna be Geralt of Rivia but end up being Legolas cosplay..... https://t.co/UwkaHFeMHW
— Gülfidan II (@panacea_G) October 31, 2018
One of these is Geralt of Rivia while the other is midlife crisis Legolas.
— Harish Iyengaar (@scaryhairyman) October 31, 2018
Please don't ruin The Witcher. pic.twitter.com/KHsFVktCo0
Oh my GOD, the new The Witcher Netflix teaser looks ... not good. Like Legolas got drunk, got into a fight with a fairy, and then puked up a fantasy cosplay. Please be better than the teaser! 🙏
— Liana 'LiLi' Ruppert (@DirtyEffinHippy) October 31, 2018
Without Googling, is this:
— Jovial Cartoonist Dave Trumbore (@DrClawMD) October 31, 2018
A Witcher or a Sephiroth?
Henry Cavill or Sam Witwer?
Old Legolas or a fantasy version of Rick Grimes?
An 80s hair metal rocker on his comeback tour or a Halloween costume shop ad? pic.twitter.com/mtoUyBKmDk
When you mix a quarterback frat boy with Lord of the Rings' Legolas you get the Netflix's Witcher https://t.co/3RNpO8tzcf what do you think of the wig (and casting choice)? pic.twitter.com/YCrSEEtOY4
— Mars Dorian (@MarsDorian) October 31, 2018
Um...you need to ugly #HenryCavill up @netflix . That's a buff Legolas not the Witcher. Has he ever been outside or is he just bathing in warm milk constantly? https://t.co/8xYJywPkpi
— Marc Aranha (@MarcAranha) October 31, 2018
Netflix gets everyone hyped for The Witcher. And all they do is bring a British Legolas. https://t.co/052009ZytC
— Kwisanga Yves Bruce (@brucekwisanga) October 31, 2018