Doug Cockle, the iconic voice behind Geralt of Rivia in CD Projekt's acclaimed The Witcher series, has robustly defended the decision to center the upcoming The Witcher 4 around Ciri, Geralt's adoptive daughter. In a candid response to fans criticizing the shift in focus as "woke," Cockle expressed his frustration, urging detractors to delve into Andrzej Sapkowski's original novels for a better understanding of the franchise's direction.
"That's just stupid," Cockle remarked about the backlash, emphasizing that the choice to spotlight Ciri is rooted in the rich narrative potential she represents within the The Witcher universe. "It's not woke. There's nothing woke about it. [Ciri]'s a cool character from The Witcher, and they're gonna focus on that character, and that's awesome," he clarified in a video released by Fall Damage.
Despite reprising his role as Geralt in The Witcher 4, Cockle believes it's time for the beloved character to take a step back after the conclusive journey depicted in Blood and Wine. He champions Ciri's new role as the protagonist, dismissing the notion that this shift is a mere nod to contemporary cultural trends. "We can't just have Geralt for every single game for The Witcher ad nauseam, out through eternity," he stated, underscoring the need for narrative evolution.
Cockle pointed out that Ciri's prominence in the next installment aligns with the unexplored storylines hinted at in the original books. "If you read the books, then you understand why CD Projekt went down this avenue," he noted, suggesting that fans revisit Sapkowski's work not only for its quality but also to appreciate the depth and complexity of Ciri's character.
The narrative shift to Ciri in The Witcher 4 follows the timeline established after the conclusion of Sapkowski's novels, a timeline that the author himself has acknowledged as diverging from his own narrative closure. This move is seen as a natural progression, allowing for fresh exploration within the expansive The Witcher universe while respecting the established lore.
Cockle's defense of The Witcher 4's direction and his call for fans to engage with the source material reflect a deep appreciation for the series' storytelling potential and a commitment to its continued evolution.
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