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 mimic Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth. He retained his signature gravelly voice, honed over nearly two decades.

Initially, creating Geralt's voice for the first Witcher game in 2005 proved challenging. Cockle pushed his vocal range, spending long hours recording, leading to significant throat strain. This rigorous process, however, strengthened his vocal cords, much like an athlete training their muscles. The release of the English translations of Sapkowski's books during The Witcher 2's production significantly deepened his understanding of Geralt's character, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal.

Cockle's performance in Sirens of the Deep showcases not only Geralt's stoic intensity but also his lighter moments, a facet often overlooked. He particularly enjoyed voicing a humorous exchange with Jaskier, highlighting Geralt's less serious side. The film's unique challenge? Mastering the fictional mermaid language, a feat Cockle found surprisingly difficult.

Cockle's enthusiasm extends to The Witcher 4, where he'll return as Geralt, albeit in a supporting role to Ciri. He believes shifting the narrative focus to Ciri is a brilliant strategic move, aligning with events in the books.

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To further explore the world of The Witcher, check out interviews with the creators of The Witcher 4. You can also find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X. Don't miss The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.