Doug Cockle Discusses Voicing Geralt in Netflix's The Witcher

While Henry Cavill may be the most recognizable face to have portrayed Geralt of Rivia, within the gaming community, Doug Cockle is revered as the definitive voice of the White Wolf, thanks to his role in CD Projekt Red's acclaimed RPG series. Now, the worlds of Cavill and Cockle's Geralts have intertwined, with Cockle lending his iconic voice to the character in Netflix's new animated film, "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep."

In this new venture, Cockle does not mimic the live-action Geralt portrayed by Cavill or his successor, Liam Hemsworth. Instead, he retains the same deep, gravelly tone that fans have cherished for nearly two decades. This continuity allows listeners to reconnect with the Geralt they've known and loved from the games.

Cockle developed this distinctive voice back in 2005 during the recording of the first Witcher game. He recalls the challenge of finding the right pitch, pushing his voice to its lower registers. Initially, the long recording sessions took a toll on his throat, but over time, his vocal cords adapted, much like an athlete conditioning their muscles.

The evolution of Cockle's performance continued with "The Witcher 2," coinciding with the English release of Andrzej Sapkowski's books. Diving into "The Last Wish," Cockle gained deeper insights into Geralt's character, which helped him better understand the developers' direction to portray Geralt as emotionless. Despite this, Cockle, as an actor, enjoyed exploring the emotional nuances of the character.

Cockle's appreciation for Sapkowski's work grew, particularly with "Season of Storms," a novel he hopes to voice in future adaptations. He praises Sapkowski's storytelling, drawing parallels to his childhood favorite, Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings."

In "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep," based on the short story "A Little Sacrifice" from "Sword of Destiny," Cockle's Geralt navigates a conflict between two kingdoms sparked by a forbidden romance. While the film offers intense action and political intrigue, Cockle appreciates the lighter moments, such as a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier by a campfire, showcasing Geralt's often overlooked softer side.

Cockle enjoys the multifaceted nature of acting, relishing both Geralt's serious demeanor and his attempts at humor, which often fall flat but add depth to the character.

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep Geeked Week 2024 Teaser Stills

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While much of Cockle's work on "Sirens of the Deep" felt familiar, he faced a unique challenge: speaking a fictional language, mermaid. Despite phonetic guides, mastering this new tongue proved difficult.

Looking ahead, Cockle will return to the world of video games with "The Witcher 4," where Geralt will play a supporting role to Ciri. Although he knows little more than the public about the game, Cockle is excited about the shift in focus to Ciri, believing it aligns well with the narrative developments in Sapkowski's books.

For more on "The Witcher 4," check out our detailed interview with its creators. And to see more of Doug Cockle, watch "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep" on Netflix, or follow him on Instagram, Cameo, and X.