Henry Cavill wrote Witcher season 2's powerful Roach scene | Polygon

Fans of The Witcher were recently saddened by the news of Hector’s passing, the horse who portrayed Geralt of Rivia’s loyal companion, Roach, in the second and third seasons of the hit Netflix series. Hector was just 12 years old when he passed away, which is considered young for a horse. The beloved steed was part of the show’s impressive animal cast, leaving a lasting mark on The Witcher fandom.

According to Juhászteam, Hungary’s leading film horse team, Hector had worked extensively on The Witcher after stepping in as the second Roach, following the death of the first horse who had played the role. The first Roach was featured alongside Henry Cavill in the early episodes, but when the horse died during the second season, Hector took over for the final episodes and continued in season 3.

Before becoming part of the Witcher world, Hector had already made his mark on another fantasy epic, Netflix’s Shadow and Bone. In that series, Hector appeared alongside Ben Barnes, who portrayed General Aleksander Kirigan, also known as the Darkling, further solidifying Hector’s status as a key performer in the fantasy genre.

Although Hector’s life was tragically cut short, it was undoubtedly a life full of adventure and purpose. His time on The Witcher will be remembered fondly by fans who became attached to his portrayal of the ever-faithful Roach, accompanying Geralt through thick and thin.

The Witcher shows first look at Geralt's trusty horse Roach in new Netflix stills | Metro News

Looking ahead, the role of Roach will undoubtedly continue in future seasons of The Witcher. However, Hector’s replacement will likely make an appearance, and fans can expect a change as the show moves forward. Geralt himself, portrayed by Henry Cavill, will also be making an exit from the series after season 3. As confirmed, Liam Hemsworth will take over the role starting with season 4, which is expected to be released sometime in 2025. Since seasons 4 and 5 are reportedly being filmed back-to-back, viewers may not have to wait long for the final two seasons to arrive.

As the Witcher saga progresses, Hector’s legacy as Roach will remain a fond memory for fans, even as the series enters a new chapter with new faces.