Immortality, as Geralt of Rivia knows all too well, can be a lonely and burdensome existence. It’s a theme woven deeply into the fabric of The Witcher series, where Witchers like Geralt live extended lives due to the alchemical mutations that turn them into monster hunters. Yet, while they may outlive most humans, these immortals are not exempt from heartache. Geralt’s bond with his trusty steed, Roach, is one of the most poignant and enduring relationships in the series — a relationship that highlights the loneliness of immortality and the weight of loss.

In The Witcher season 2, episode 6, titled “Dear Friend…”, fans were given an emotional moment that tugged at their heartstrings — the death of Roach. What could have been a typical heroic battle scene, however, was transformed into something much deeper, thanks to Henry Cavill’s involvement in rewriting the scene’s farewell. Here’s why Cavill felt compelled to change Roach’s final moments and how it made a world of difference.

The Importance of Roach
Geralt’s relationship with Roach is more than just the bond between a man and his horse; it’s a symbol of the Witcher’s struggle with immortality. Witchers are inherently solitary, having few lasting relationships due to their unnatural lifespan. Roach, however, is a constant companion, and the horse’s repeated appearances in the Witcher series serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and death in a world filled with monsters, magic, and human fallibility.

Unlike most people who form lifelong bonds with a pet, Geralt’s connection with Roach is defined by inevitable goodbyes. Over the course of the books, the Witcher novels and games feature multiple iterations of Roach, as each horse eventually succumbs to the dangers of Geralt’s perilous life. This cyclical loss of companions is a quiet reflection of the sorrow that comes with Geralt’s long existence — each time Roach dies, Geralt is forced to say goodbye again.

A Rewritten Farewell
In the Witcher TV series, season 2’s farewell to Roach was initially written with a touch of humor, a self-aware wink to the recurring nature of the character. Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich and the writing team had intended for Roach to die in a “heroic way,” but Cavill, deeply familiar with Andrzej Sapkowski’s source material, felt that the proposed meta-joke about “Which Roach are we on now?” didn’t align with the gravity of the moment.

In a 2021 interview with Polygon, Hissrich shared that Henry Cavill was initially “so unhappy” with the line. Cavill, who has become a passionate advocate for staying true to the spirit of Sapkowski’s books, took it upon himself to rewrite the scene. He returned the next day with a speech that not only stayed true to Geralt’s character but also captured the deep emotional core of the moment. Cavill’s rewrite was directly lifted from the pages of Sword of Destiny, one of the books in Sapkowski’s Witcher saga, where Geralt faces death and the loss of his beloved horse.

The final speech, as Geralt bids Roach farewell, is a quiet but powerful moment. “Enjoy your last walk across the meadow and through the mist. Be not afraid of her, for she is your friend,” Geralt tells his dying steed. The words are simple yet laden with the sorrow of an immortal man who has had to watch his companions come and go.

The Heart Behind the Change

Why did Cavill feel so strongly about rewriting this particular scene? The answer lies in his understanding of Geralt’s pain. Immortality may grant Witchers like Geralt extraordinary longevity, but it also means witnessing countless losses — of friends, of loved ones, of loyal companions like Roach. For Cavill, this moment was about more than just honoring the death of a character; it was about showing the weight of Geralt’s burden in a meaningful and emotionally honest way.

By removing the humor and replacing it with a heartfelt, reflective farewell, Cavill ensured that the scene didn’t just serve as a narrative turning point for the series, but also as a true representation of Geralt’s struggles with loneliness and loss. It’s a moment of quiet grief that resonates with anyone who has had to say goodbye to a beloved pet or companion.

Conclusion
Henry Cavill’s decision to rewrite Roach’s farewell scene in The Witcher not only elevated the emotional stakes of the moment but also demonstrated his deep respect for the source material and his character. It’s a rare example of an actor stepping beyond their role to improve the storytelling process, and it highlights Cavill’s understanding of Geralt as a man trapped by the weight of immortality.

While The Witcher has always balanced epic action with moments of levity and humor, this rewritten farewell to Roach is a testament to the series’ emotional depth and to the care with which Cavill approached his portrayal of Geralt. In a world of monsters and magic, sometimes the most powerful moments are those of quiet sorrow, where the true cost of immortality is laid bare.