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 honed over nearly two decades.
Cockle's journey with Geralt's voice began in 2005 with The Witcher 1. He recalls the initial challenge of maintaining the character's low vocal register during extensive recording sessions. The process, he says, was akin to an athlete training their muscles. The release of the English translations of Sapkowski's books during the recording of The Witcher 2 provided valuable insight into Geralt's character, helping Cockle refine his performance.
Cockle's appreciation for Sapkowski's writing, particularly Season of Storms, is evident. He expresses enthusiasm for potentially voicing Geralt in an adaptation of this novel. In Sirens of the Deep, based on the short story "A Little Sacrifice," Cockle relished the lighter moments, showcasing Geralt's less serious side. He highlights a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier as a prime example.
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A unique challenge presented itself in Sirens of the Deep: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this demanding, despite phonetic guidance. His return to the video game world in The Witcher 4, where Ciri takes center stage, promises a less demanding role. He expresses excitement about this shift in perspective, believing it's a compelling narrative choice. While remaining tight-lipped about specifics, he anticipates the game's success. To learn more about The Witcher 4, check out our interview with the creators. Find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X.
