Henry Cavill has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most dedicated actors, consistently committing fully to the physical and aesthetic demands of his roles. Yet, his commitment to playing Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy epic, The Witcher, led to a shocking incident where the actor suffered severe eye damage. He heroically pushed through the pain to ensure production wrapped on time—an ultimate example of what it means to “soldier on.” To achieve the striking, non-human appearance of the monster-slayer, Cavill was required to wear specialized yellow contact lenses for long hours. These contacts were crucial for conveying the character’s mutated status, a staple of the original novels and video games.
The contacts themselves, being larger and more rigid than standard lenses, already presented a discomfort challenge. However, the situation turned critical during the filming of the show’s first season. The injury occurred while filming on location, where fine dust, reportedly volcanic ash or a similar gritty particulate from the natural landscape, infiltrated the area behind Cavill’s contact lenses. This abrasive dust repeatedly rubbed against his corneas, resulting in severe corneal abrasions—a deeply painful and potentially blinding injury.
Medical professionals on set were alarmed, warning Cavill that he risked permanent vision loss if he continued filming. The advice was clear: he needed to stop immediately. However, recognizing the massive logistical and financial strain an unplanned stop would place on the production team, Cavill made a monumental decision. Despite being in what he later described as “blind agony,” the actor pushed through the pain to complete his final scheduled scenes for the season. This act of determination, refusing to let his severe injury derail the show’s progress, perfectly embodies the phrase “Soldier on”—facing extreme adversity with unbreakable grit. The resulting performance, widely praised by viewers, carries an invisible layer of sacrifice, highlighting the physical toll often hidden behind flawless on-screen performances.