When Henry Cavill Performed Every Sword Strike Himself, Even Stunt Legend Jackie Chan Went Silent Watching the Ferocious Blaviken Sequence Play Out Without a Single Cut
When Netflix launched The Witcher in 2019, the series immediately stood out for the brutal and cinematic quality of its sword fighting, a success directly attributed to the unwavering commitment of lead actor Henry Cavill. Cavill, a devoted fan of the source material, insisted on performing every single combat sequence himself, a choice that gave the show’s action an unprecedented level of authenticity.
Cavill’s reasoning was clear: to maintain audience immersion and belief in Geralt of Rivia as a supernaturally fast and deadly fighter, there could be no cuts to a stunt double. As he stated, “If an audience is watching Geralt on-screen, they must believe that it is me… If it’s not me, I feel like I’ve stolen the character in some ways.”
This dedication culminates in the stunning, career-defining sequence in the first episode, “The End’s Beginning,” where Geralt confronts the mercenary Renfri and her men in the town of Blaviken—a scene that earns him the tragic moniker, the “Butcher of Blaviken.” The fight was choreographed by the legendary Wolfgang Stegemann, known for his work on the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Key production details highlight the extent of Cavill’s commitment. Stunt coordinator Stegemann confirmed that Cavill performed “100 percent” of his own stunts, a rarity in Hollywood. This allows the director to utilize continuous, wide-angle shots, eliminating the quick cuts typically employed to hide a double. Cavill was not just an actor but a creative partner, effectively acting as a “second fight coordinator” for Stegemann, designing a fluid and fast fighting style that integrated the graceful, pirouetting movements described in the books.
The most iconic portion of the Blaviken fight was shot in what appears to be an extended, seamless one-take. This technique dramatically heightens the sense of realism and danger, making Geralt’s speed and precision feel truly earned. Cavill achieved this through grueling preparation, training relentlessly for months with a variety of weapons, including special half-swords, spending all his free time practicing the complex choreography.
This level of physical authenticity, inspired in part by action legends like Tom Cruise, whom Cavill worked with on Mission: Impossible – Fallout , became the single greatest strength of the first season. The “Butcher of Blaviken” sequence was immediately hailed by critics and fans as a masterpiece and one of the best sword fights ever put to screen, elevating The Witcher to a standout success for Netflix.
