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

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 he developed over nearly two decades.

His journey began in 2005 with The Witcher 1, where finding the right vocal tone proved challenging. Initially, his Geralt voice was much lower than his natural register, requiring significant effort and leading to vocal strain after eight to nine-hour recording sessions. This process, he describes, was similar to an athlete building muscle memory. The release of Sapkowski's books in English during the recording of The Witcher 2 provided valuable insight into Geralt's character, helping Cockle refine his performance.

Cockle's appreciation for Sapkowski's writing, particularly Season of Storms, is evident. He highlights the story's thrilling, graphic elements, suggesting it would be ideal for an anime adaptation. 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 stoic demeanor. He relishes the opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of Geralt's personality.

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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, is anticipated. He's excited about the shift in narrative focus and believes it's a promising direction for the franchise. While remaining tight-lipped about specifics, he expresses enthusiasm for the project and encourages fans to explore the source material. To learn more, check out our in-depth interview with the creators of The Witcher 4. You can also find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X.