d+ “You don’t want to hold someone”: Netflix Execs Finally Spill on the Shocking Reason Cavill Walked Away From His 24-Episode Witcher Contract. d+

Before he was soaring through the skies as Superman or battling monsters as a Witcher, British actor Henry Cavill had a profoundly simple and grounding side gig: he was a “backup dog walker” for his friends in Los Angeles. This early chapter in his life, characterized by genuine kindness and loyalty, speaks volumes about the man behind the star, whose enduring humility contrasts sharply with the demanding roles that would define his A-list career.

 A Pre-Fame Pact: Loyalty to Man’s Best Friend

The story of Cavill’s early, humble days in Hollywood, before his definitive breakthrough, is often recounted by an old friend, Giana Mucci. She affectionately referred to the actor as “Hot Henry” and recalls the deep connection he developed with her rescued Malamute, Buddy.

The Canine Connection: Mucci shared an anecdote highlighting Cavill’s unchanging sincerity. Even after the actor achieved global fame and was attending a press event for his 2011 mythological fantasy film, Immortals (where he played the hero Theseus), he spotted his old friend. Despite the whirlwind of celebrity, Cavill immediately recognized her, asked about Buddy, and sincerely stated, “I miss Buddy.” This simple act of remembrance, years after his “backup dog walker” days, is a powerful testament to the grounding force of his early life.

Today, Cavill maintains his deep affinity for animals, frequently featuring his own American Akita, Kal (named after Superman’s Kryptonian name, Kal-El), in his public appearances and social media, highlighting the therapeutic role his canine companion plays in his own mental well-being.

 The Rise to Stardom and a Shocking Exit

Cavill’s trajectory from dog walker to global icon was one of persistence, marked by monumental successes and, notably, a controversial departure from one of television’s biggest franchises.

Early Near Misses: Before his life-changing role as Superman, Cavill famously experienced two major near misses: he was a final contender for the lead role in the 2006 film Superman Returns and, crucially, the part of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006), which went to Daniel Craig. He found initial major success as Charles Brandon in the acclaimed Showtime series The Tudors (2007–2010).

The Definitive Breakthrough (The ‘Man of Steel’ Era): His casting as Clark Kent / Superman in director Zack Snyder’s 2013 blockbuster, Man of Steel, was the definitive turning point. The film grossed over $668 million worldwide, catapulting Cavill into the A-list stratosphere.

The Witcher Controversy: Cavill’s commitment to his roles, particularly to the source material, became a major point of discussion during his time as the stoic monster hunter Geralt of Rivia in the hugely popular Netflix fantasy series, The Witcher (2019-2023).

• Financial Data: Reports indicate Cavill was paid approximately $400,000 per episode for his work on the series, a substantial figure that reflected his immense market value as the face of the show.
• The Contract Shock: Cavill walked away from his commitment to the series after Season 3, despite initial reports suggesting his contract could have extended for a full seven seasons. The shocking reason, according to reports and speculation surrounding the production, stemmed from “creative differences.” Cavill is a massive fan of the original books by Andrzej Sapkowski and the video games, and repeatedly voiced his desire for the series to remain faithful to the source material.
• Netflix Executive’s Take: While the exact details remain private, the general sentiment among production staff was reportedly summarized by an unnamed Netflix executive’s reported comment that “You don’t want to hold someone” who is unhappy with the direction of the creative vision, suggesting Cavill’s passion for the character Geralt of Rivia was at odds with the show’s writers.

Henry Cavill’s career journey—from walking a friend’s dog and missing “Buddy” to headlining a $668 million blockbuster and making a choice to prioritize artistic integrity over a massive paycheck—shows a unique dedication to genuine, authentic values, whether on-screen or off.