Doug Cockle, the iconic voice of Geralt of Rivia in the acclaimed Witcher video game series, reprises his role in Netflix's animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. Unlike the live-action series, Cockle's performance wasn't shaped to emulate Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth, allowing him to maintain the signature gravelly voice he honed over nearly two decades.
His journey began in 2005 with The Witcher 1, where establishing Geralt's voice proved challenging. Initially, the voice was extremely low in his register, requiring significant effort and leading to vocal strain after lengthy recording sessions. This evolved as he recorded The Witcher 2, his vocal cords adapting to the demands, similar to an athlete's muscle development. The release of the English translations of Sapkowski's books further enriched his understanding of Geralt, adding nuance to his performance.
Cockle's appreciation for Sapkowski's writing, particularly Season of Storms, is evident. He sees the potential for this story to be adapted into an anime or TV episode, highlighting its thrilling, graphic action sequences. In Sirens of the Deep, based on "A Little Sacrifice," Cockle enjoys the lighter moments, showcasing Geralt's less serious side, a contrast to his usual brooding demeanor. He relishes the opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of Geralt's personality.
"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 surprisingly 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 expresses excitement about the shift in narrative focus, believing it to be a compelling direction for the franchise. To learn more, check out our interview with the creators of The Witcher 4, and catch Cockle in The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.
