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 signature gravelly voice 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 much lower than his natural register, requiring intense effort during eight-to-nine-hour recording sessions. This led to vocal strain, but through persistence, his voice adapted, much like an athlete training their muscles.
The release of Sapkowski's books in English significantly impacted his performance in The Witcher 2. Initially relying on the developers' guidance, Cockle's understanding of Geralt deepened after reading The Last Wish, clarifying the character's emotional restraint. He notes a contrast between the developers' vision of an emotionless Geralt and his own actor's instinct to portray a wider range of emotions. The books helped bridge this gap.
Cockle developed a strong appreciation for Sapkowski's writing, drawing parallels to his childhood love of Tolkien. Season of Storms stands out as a favorite, a story he'd relish voicing in future adaptations. He highlights the thrilling, graphic fight scenes as particularly suitable for anime or a TV episode.
In Sirens of the Deep, based on "A Little Sacrifice," Cockle enjoys the lighter moments, particularly a campfire conversation between Geralt and Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's less serious side. He emphasizes the importance of exploring a character's multifaceted personality.
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The anime presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this surprisingly difficult, despite phonetic preparation.
His return to Geralt in The Witcher 4, where Ciri takes center stage, is eagerly anticipated. He views the shift in perspective as a positive move, aligning with the narrative possibilities presented in the books. He remains tight-lipped about specifics but expresses excitement for the project.
To learn more, explore our comprehensive interview with The Witcher 4 creators. Find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X. Watch The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.
