Liam Hemsworth’s ‘forgotten’ role in Home and Away alongside Hollywood star brother
Liam Hemsworth's acting career breakthrough came on Aussie soap Home and Away before he headed to Hollywood - his latest role is a major disappointment amongst fans, however
His older brother Chris Hemsworth is well known for his three-year Home and Away stint in the early stages of his career, but Liam Hemsworth also featured on the Aussie soap too.
After a brief Neighbours cameo, Chris was cast in Summer Bay in 2004 as schoolboy Kim Hyde and remained a big part of the show for three years. Liam followed in 2006 after auditioning as a 16-year old, but only appeared in one episode as an unnamed character, making few interactions.
In a role-reversal of Chris’ career, meanwhile, Liam later joined Neighbours himself in 2007, starring as paraplegic Josh Taylor, who endured a doomed romance with Bridget Parker (played by Eloise Mignon).
Liam soon followed in Chris’ footsteps – heading to Hollywood where he landed the major role of Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games series of movies.
Further success followed, most notably in films including Cut Back, The Expendables 2 and Love and Honor. In 2009, meanwhile, Liam met Miley Cyrus on the set of The Last Song with the pair playing out an on-off relationship over several years.
They were rumoured to be wed in mid-2018, however, something which was finally confirmed by singer Miley in December that year. The romance soon turned sour though, with the couple separating just eight months later.
As the hotly-anticipated fourth season of The Witcher commenced filming last week, fans of the Netflix show slammed Liam’s casting on social media. The 34-year old has replaced Henry Cavill as the lead character, Geralt of Rivia in the fantasy series – and it hasn’t gone down well.
One user cursed: “Now that Cavill is going to be replaced by Liam Hemsworth, the show, as I said, is not going to be the same and I will no longer be watching. I am just one man, one fan of the books and the show. It’s unfortunate that showrunners ruin good things.” Another penned: “No way Liam Hemsworth can replace Henry Cavill. He’s not even going to be remotely close to being/looking as good.”
A third added: “Liam Hemsworth will never be able to fill those shoes i might watch season 4 just for yennifer cuz she’s one of my favorite characters but it won’t be the same without Henry.” And a fourth cursed: “For me, this is pretty much the end of the series. I have no desire to stick around for Liam Hemsworth.”
Henry first revealed he was leaving the show, he penned to his followers: “My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4. In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf.
“As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him – enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”
Liam responded to his predeccsor’s statement: “As a ‘Witcher’ fan I’m over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia. Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honored that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure.
“Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into ‘The Witcher’ world.”
