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 mimic Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth. He maintained his signature gravelly voice, honed over nearly two decades.
Initially, creating Geralt's voice for the first Witcher game in 2005 proved challenging. Cockle pushed his vocal range, spending long hours recording, resulting in significant vocal strain. However, his vocal cords eventually adapted, a process he compares to an athlete's training. The release of the English translations of Sapkowski's books further deepened his understanding of Geralt's character, providing insights beyond the initial developer briefings. Cockle particularly enjoyed Season of Storms, expressing his desire to voice Geralt in an adaptation of that story.
Sirens of the Deep, based on Sapkowski's short story, features a darker take on The Little Mermaid. While Cockle relishes the intense action and political intrigue, he also appreciates the lighter moments, particularly a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's less-serious side. Cockle enjoys portraying the multifaceted nature of Geralt, from his serious demeanor to his infrequent attempts at humor.
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep Geeked Week 2024 Teaser Stills
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The anime presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this surprisingly difficult, despite phonetic preparation.
Cockle's return to Geralt in The Witcher 4 promises a less demanding role, with Geralt as a supporting character to Ciri. He's enthusiastic about this shift in perspective, believing it's a compelling narrative choice, particularly given events in the books. For more on The Witcher 4, check out our interview with the creators. Find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X.
