The Steamy Witcher Season 2 Scene Henry Cavill Refused To Film
Some mild spoilers ahead for "The Witcher" Season 2
The torrid and passionate love affair between Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) and Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra) is a central part of Netflix's "The Witcher" Season 1. The Witcher and the all-powerful mage share more than just chemistry; their romantic connection grows over time and becomes something perhaps more binding than either of them can articulate. It makes sense, too, because their relationship spans years and is full of steamy nights followed by mornings full of heartache. In one powerful scene, Geralt decides to bind his fate to Yennefer's through a Djinn's wish to save her. However good his intentions were, it fractures Yennefer's trust and the relationship along with it.
Though they part ways, it doesn't mean Geralt is without companionship. Another contender for the Witcher's heart is sorceress Triss Merigold (Anna Shaffer). This love triangle in "The Witcher" is a source of great debate that leaves viewers to wonder which woman, if any, is right for him. Although it seems Geralt leans toward Team Yennefer, there are still moments for him to share with both women in Season 2.
When it comes to his connection to Yennefer, it seems all may not be entirely lost. In the latest season, the couple reunites and shares a moment that speaks to their feelings for one another. As it turns out, Cavill and Chalotra played an integral role in getting the tone of this scene right, as "The Witcher" actor explained in an interview with Syfy Wire.
Cavill had a key role in crafting Yennefer and Geralt's reunion scene
The reunion between Yennefer and Geralt in "The Witcher" Season 2 is a long time coming. Geralt operates under the assumption Yennefer dies at the Battle of Sodden Hill. And, after her heartbreak in Season 1, Yennefer still desires Geralt. Their reunion is important for the couple and, while filming the new season, it was even more important to the actors to get right. In a recent interview with Syfy Wire, Henry Cavill stated that what was originally on the script page was not what he and co-star Anya Chalotra filmed.
"We just wanted to be very careful that it was true and real, and it didn't turn into something that we, as actors, didn't believe it should be," Cavill stated. When Yennefer and Geralt unite, they embrace, but it doesn't go further than that. He continued: "We wanted it to be emotional rather than sexual. It was really, really important, and we had to lean away from what was originally on the page." Initially, Geralt and Yennefer were written to have a more passionate night. But Cavill and Chalotra did not think that would stay true to the characters. This was a moment about emotional connection. A sexual liaison would have been distracting and, per Cavill, something that didn't send the right message about how those characters felt in the moment.
Anya Chalotra and Henry Cavill had a word with the producers
Henry Cavill and Anya Chalotra went to "The Witcher" producers and explained why they thought a steamy evening was not the way to go. "These are people who believe one thing about the fate of another and then find out something else is true," Cavill said about Geralt believing Yennefer was dead. "That's not how they behave," the actor added. "How they behave is they just want to be with the person and emotionally recognize their existence again in that shared space. So, Anya and I worked to make sure that that was an emotional beat rather than anything else."
Another aspect of Geralt and Yennefer's relationship involves Ciri (Freya Allan). In the books, Yennefer is like a mother to the princess. The new scene shows Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri getting to know one another. It's essential groundwork for the newfound family to bond. As such, Cavill and Chalotra's active involvement in reworking the scene ultimately helps Ciri integrate more naturally into the group.