Doug Cockle: Netflix's New Geralt Voice

While Henry Cavill is undeniably the most famous actor to portray Geralt of Rivia, Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in CD Projekt Red's acclaimed RPG series, remains the definitive White Wolf for many gamers. Their paths converge in Netflix's animated film, *The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep*, where Cockle lends his iconic voice to the character.

Interestingly, Cockle wasn't asked to emulate Cavill's or Liam Hemsworth's portrayal. This allowed him to utilize the same vocal approach that defined his Geralt for nearly two decades, resulting in the familiar gravelly tones fans adore.

Cockle recalls the challenges of creating Geralt's voice in 2005 for the first Witcher game. The deep register required extensive vocal exertion, leading to strained vocal cords after eight to nine-hour recording sessions. This continued into *The Witcher 2*, but eventually, his vocal chords adapted, a process he jokingly compares to an athlete's muscle training.

The release of *The Last Wish* in English significantly impacted his portrayal. Initially relying on CD Projekt Red's guidance, Cockle gained a deeper understanding of Geralt's character from the books, clarifying the developers' request for a more emotionally restrained performance.

Cockle embraced Sapkowski's writing, drawing parallels to his childhood love of Tolkien. *Season of Storms* remains a favorite, a story he'd relish voicing in future adaptations. He describes it as "horrible...awful...but thrilling," highlighting its graphic fight scenes and potential for anime or TV episodes.

In Sirens of the Deep, based on "A Little Sacrifice," Cockle appreciates the lighter moments amidst the dark narrative. He cites a humorous campfire conversation between Geralt and Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's often-overlooked softer side. He enjoys portraying Geralt's range, from serious gravitas to awkwardly attempted humor.

“Part of liking acting is liking all those different aspects of a character's personality and the different choices that could be made and how they might approach those choices,” Cockle explains. “I enjoy the gravitas of Geralt when he's all serious and mopey and whatever, but I do also like those moments when he's trying to be light. When he's trying to crack a joke and it just doesn't go very well for him most of the time because he's just not funny.”

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*, revealed at The Game Awards, promises a less demanding role, with Geralt as a supporting character to Ciri. While remaining tight-lipped about specifics, he expresses excitement about the shift in perspective, highlighting the narrative potential based on the books.

He believes shifting the focus to Ciri is a strong move, praising its potential for compelling storytelling. To delve deeper into CD Projekt Red's plans, check out our in-depth interview with the creators of *The Witcher 4*. To connect with Doug Cockle, find him on Instagram, Cameo, and X.