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 first Witcher game. Initially, achieving Geralt's low vocal register proved challenging, requiring extensive daily recording sessions that strained his voice. However, through persistent practice, his vocal cords adapted, mirroring an athlete's muscle development. The arrival of the English translations of Sapkowski's books further refined his performance, providing deeper insight into Geralt's character. Cockle initially struggled with the developers' directive to portray Geralt as emotionless, but reading The Last Wish clarified the character's emotional restraint.
Cockle's fondness for Sapkowski's work, particularly Season of Storms, is evident. He envisions this novel as a compelling adaptation for future anime or TV episodes. Sirens of the Deep, based on "A Little Sacrifice," showcases a darker take on The Little Mermaid, with Cockle relishing the lighter moments, particularly a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier. He appreciates the multifaceted nature of Geralt, embracing both his serious and lighter sides.
"I enjoy the gravitas of Geralt when he's all serious and mopey, but I also like those moments when he's trying to be light," Cockle explains.
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep Geeked Week 2024 Teaser Stills
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Sirens of the Deep presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this unexpectedly difficult despite phonetic preparation. His return to the video game world in The Witcher 4, where Ciri takes center stage, promises a less demanding role, although details remain scarce. He wholeheartedly approves of the shift in narrative focus to Ciri, citing compelling reasons rooted in the books.
To further explore The Witcher 4, check out our interview with its creators. Find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X. Watch The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.
