The Witcher season 3 part 2 trailer teases a heartbreaking end for Henry Cavill's Geralt

Geralt of Rivia emerges from a dark portal in The Witcher season 3
The Witcher season 3 volume 2 marks the end of the road for Henry Cavill's Geralt (Image credit: Netflix)

Spoilers follow for The Witcher season 3 volume 1.

Netflix has released the official trailer for The Witcher season 3 part 2 – and it looks like Henry Cavill's Geralt is ready to make his last, heart-wrenching stand.

The two-minute-long teaser, which you can watch below, is packed to the rafters with large-scale battles, thrilling moments, and even the appearance of a unicorn (long-time fans will know the significance of this scene). 

But it's the impending departure of Cavill's Geralt, who's leaving The Witcher TV series after the third season ends, that takes center stage in this emotionally-charged trailer. And, even though we know that Liam Hemsworth will replace Cavill as the titular character from season 4 onwards, it appears as though Cavill's Geralt will give his life to keep surrogate daughter Ciri safe from the Continent's evil forces.

Netflix hasn't released a new plot synopsis for the second part of The Witcher's third season – although that isn't surprising, as there will be some viewers who haven't watched season 3 volume 1 yet. So, to preserve the mystery of what happened in this season's first five episodes – if you haven't read about them online yet – the world's best streaming service declined to provide an updated story synopsis heading into volume 2. 

We're about to enter full spoiler territory for season 3 volume 1, though, so turn back now if you're not caught up with the show's latest episodes.

Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer prepare to ride off on horses in The Witcher season 3

Geralt will have a new face from season 4 onwards. (Image credit: Susie Allnutt/Netflix)

Still, there's enough for fans of the high-fantasy series, and of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher books (which Netflix's adaptation is based upon), to glean from the latest footage. 

Viewers can expect an almighty showdown at Aretuza, the Thanedd Island-based academy for mages, between Tissaia's forces and what appears to Francesca's Scoai'tael. Remember, in volume 1, Emperor Emhyr – Ciri's father – teamed up with Francesca's elves to find Ciri and bring her to Nilfgaard so they can use her powers for nefarious means. As the above teaser shows, though, that they'll have to get past Geralt, Yennefer, and the trio's allies before that happens. 

There are plenty of other big teases for what's to come in season 3 part 2, too. We see Ciri trapped in a desert (alongside the aforementioned white unicorn) after she inadvertently portals herself there. Additionally, we see Geralt fighting elves and Nilfgaardian forces in what appears to be Brokilon Forest – again, diehard Witcher fans know the context of this sequence of events. He's also shown to be preparing for a potential showdown with Vilgefortz, who was revealed as the brains behind the operation to kidnap Ciri for Nilfgaard if she sought shelter at Aretuza.

Geralt brandishes his sword in a dark setting in The Witcher season 3

It's nearly time to bid farewell to Henry Cavill's Geralt of Rivia. (Image credit: Netflix)

Whatever happens in volume 2, it's sure to be a very emotional end for Cavill's run as Geralt. We see the lead character crying as he lies – presumably incapacitated – on a beach before he's later shown falling into a river or ocean. Is this how Cavill's Geralt dies, only to be reborn as Hemsworth's take on the character? We'll have to wait and see.

What we're all hoping for – aside from a fitting send-off for Cavill – is a better second half to the show's latest installment. In our review of The Witcher season 3, we said one of the best Netflix shows of all-time was "losing its magical touch" and that "a show of The Witcher’s scale, scope, and caliber needs to aim much higher than just 'doing enough'". Based on the volume 2 trailer, though, it's possible that season 3's final episodes might deliver a grandstand and emotive end to a divisive entry in the series' history.

For more Witcher-based coverage, read our exclusive chat with the season 3 cast on how their characters personify the series' growing pains. Then, find out why showrunner Lauren Hissrich says she "fully understands" why fans are concerned over Cavill's forthcoming departure.

The Witcher season 3 volume 2, which consists of the final three entries, will launch on Netflix on Thursday, July 27. 

TOPICS
Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

Read more
Gi-hun handcuffed to a bed in Squid Game season 3
Squid Game season 3: what we know so far about the hit Netflix show's return
In-ho sitting on a chair while he holds his Front Man mask and having his head bowed in Squid Game season 3
Netflix reveals June 2025 release date for Squid Game season 3, and its first clip teases a new mini-game that'll have a big impact on Gi-hun and his fellow contestants
Gi-hun stares at a Squid Game overseer in a club in Squid Game season 2
Squid Game season 2: release date, trailer, confirmed cast, plot synopsis, and everything else we know about the popular Netflix show's return
The Cobra Kai line up in Cobra Kai season 6 part 3
Cobra Kai season 6 part 3: release date, trailer, confirmed cast, plot synopsis, and more news about the hit Netflix show's final chapter
3 Body Problem
3 Body Problem season 2: everything we know so far about the hit Netflix show's return
A group of people, including Rand and Moiraine, standing on a sandy cliff in The Wheel of Time season 3
'It's bigger, bolder, and bleaker': The Wheel of Time season 3 cast teases what to expect from the Prime Video show's most daunting chapter yet
Latest in Netflix
Susan holding her baby in Toxic Town.
Netflix's #3 show has a flawless 100% on Rotten Tomatoes – here are 3 more powerful dramas to watch after Toxic Town
Devil May Cry's Dante has his back to the camera, holding onto a large sword
Netflix's official Devil May Cry trailer features music from my favorite alternative rock band and it's taken me on a serious nostalgia trip
Joe Goldberg and Kate Lockwood sitting at a table and looking at the camera in You season 5.
Netflix releases a killer new trailer for You season 5 but my favorite character is missing from Joe's final chapter
Michelle and Kid Cosmo watching a video projected onto a screen in Netflix's The Electric State movie
'We could not achieve that with puppetry or animatronics': Joe and Anthony Russo didn't want to build real-life robots for The Electric State for two big reasons
Peter looks to the side with the city skyline behind him in The Night Agent season 2
3 Netflix shows I stopped watching and wouldn't go back to
Owen Hendricks looks at something off camera in The Recruit season 2.
Netflix cancels spy thriller The Recruit, and I know which show to blame
Latest in News
GTA 5
GTA Online publisher Take-Two is gunning for a black market that’s basically heaven for cheaters
Y2K cast looking shocked
Y2K has a streaming release date on Max, so you can witness the technology uprising at home
The Discovery+ homepage
Discovery+ just got a big update to its streaming app that makes it more like Max – here are 5 great new features to try
Two Android phones on a green and blue background showing Google Messages
Struggling with slow Google Messages photo transfers? Google says new update will make 'noticeable difference'
China
Chinese hackers targeting Juniper Networks routers, so patch now
Google Meet create custom backgrounds
More AI features are coming to Google Workspace