“It’s not a matter of randomly deciding to kill off characters for shock value,” explained series showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich in an interview with GamesRadar. “Our focus is on how our characters cope with the trauma of loss and how it fundamentally alters their perspectives.” For Schmidt Hissrich, the evolution of characters remains paramount, even if some fans are frustrated to the point of believing that “The Witcher” should have concluded with its third season.

The departure of Henry Cavill, replaced by Hemsworth for the fourth season, was just one change fans had to accept. Over the span of eight episodes, four cherished characters met untimely ends. Geralt’s mentor, Vesemir (played by Peter Mullan), falls to Vilgefortz of Roggeveen (Mahesh Jadu) during a fierce duel. Keira Metz (Safiyya Ingar) is tragically stabbed by a stranger amidst a riot. The Battle of Montecalvo claims the life of Margarita (Rochelle Rose), while Istredd (Royce Pierreson) sacrifices himself by using a spell from the Book of Monoliths to dismantle Vilgefortz’s portal system at Styygga Castle.

Despite the criticism from fans who might view Season 4 as a disappointment, “The Witcher” is set to deliver one final season, likely featuring more character departures as the narrative unfolds. Lauren Schmidt Hissrich stressed to GamesRadar that these losses serve to remind viewers of the perilous and grim nature of Geralt’s world. “It mirrors a very human experience that we wanted to portray,” she said. “Throughout the last two seasons, death has been a prevalent theme. ‘The Witcher’ is far from a cheerful realm.”

Whether these decisions are rooted in practicality or aimed at propelling the storyline, one thing remains evident: as “The Witcher” nears its conclusion, no character is immune from the dangers that lurk in Geralt’s world.

Indeed, things have never been sunshine and roses in the Four Kingdoms: it’s a place laden with violence and evil. But Schmidt Hissrich’s comment on a November 9 Instagram post indicates that other factors can also change someone’s fate. “Not every actor is available to us exclusively, so sometimes, they’re already committed to another project when we need them,” she said in part, adding, “Sometimes, we end up killing (or writing off) a character simply because they’re tied up in something else.” 

Whether it’s a practical measure or an attempt at pushing the story forward, one thing’s clear; no one on Geralt’s team is safe as “The Witcher” approaches the end of its run.