The Witcher’s Doug Cockle on Becoming Netflix’s Latest Geralt

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 adjusted to match Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth's portrayals, allowing him to maintain the signature gravelly voice he's perfected over nearly two decades.

His journey began in 2005, voicing Geralt for the first Witcher game. The deep register required extensive recording sessions, often eight to nine hours daily, initially straining his vocal cords. However, through persistent work, his voice adapted, much like an athlete's muscles building strength. The release of the English translations of Sapkowski's books significantly impacted his performance, providing a deeper understanding of Geralt's character beyond the initial developer descriptions. He particularly enjoyed Season of Storms, expressing a desire to voice Geralt in an adaptation of that story.

Sirens of the Deep, based on Sapkowski's "A Little Sacrifice," presents a darker take on The Little Mermaid. While the action and political intrigue are prominent, Cockle highlights the lighter moments, particularly a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's less-explored softer side. He appreciates the multifaceted nature of Geralt, embracing both the serious and comedic aspects of the character.

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The anime presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this incredibly difficult, despite phonetic preparation.

Cockle's return to the video game world in The Witcher 4, where Ciri takes center stage, is highly anticipated. He's enthusiastic about the shift in perspective, believing it's a compelling narrative choice, particularly given events in the books. While remaining tight-lipped about specifics, he expresses excitement for CD Projekt Red's next chapter. To learn more about The Witcher 4, check out our interview with its creators. You can find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X.