Doug Cockle, the iconic voice of Geralt of Rivia in CD Projekt Red's Witcher games, reprises his role in Netflix's animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. Unlike the live-action series, Cockle's performance wasn't adjusted to match Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth's portrayals, allowing him to maintain the distinctive gravelly voice he's cultivated over nearly two decades.
His journey began in 2005 with The Witcher 1, where finding the right vocal tone proved challenging. Initially, his Geralt's voice was significantly lower than his natural register, requiring considerable effort and resulting in strained vocal cords after long recording sessions. This process, he humorously compares to an athlete building muscle, eventually led to a refined and powerful voice perfectly suited to the character.
The release of Andrzej Sapkowski's books in English during the recording of The Witcher 2 significantly impacted his performance. Initially relying on the developers' descriptions of Geralt as emotionless, Cockle's understanding of the character deepened after reading The Last Wish, revealing nuances he hadn't previously grasped. This enriched his portrayal, allowing for a more subtle expression of emotion while maintaining the character's stoic nature.
Cockle's favorite Witcher novel is Season of Storms, a story he believes would translate well into an anime or TV episode. He particularly appreciates the book's darker elements and intense fight scenes. While he enjoys portraying Geralt's serious and brooding side, he also relishes the character's infrequent attempts at humor, highlighting the complexity of Geralt's personality.
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this surprisingly difficult despite phonetic preparation, showcasing the actor's dedication to his craft.
His return to the world of video games in The Witcher 4, where Ciri takes the lead role, is highly anticipated. While remaining tight-lipped about specifics, Cockle expresses excitement about this shift in perspective, believing it's a compelling narrative choice that aligns well with the source material. He anticipates a reduced workload compared to previous games, as Geralt will have a supporting role.
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To learn more about The Witcher 4, explore our interview with its creators. Find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X. Watch The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.
