Doug Cockle on Voicing Netflix's New Geralt in The Witcher

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

In this new project, Cockle does not mimic the mannerisms of either Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth, who will take over the role in the live-action series' upcoming season. Instead, he was allowed to maintain the same deep, gravelly tones that have defined his Geralt for nearly two decades. This continuity offers fans a familiar and cherished experience.

Cockle developed this signature voice during the recording of the first Witcher game in 2005, a process he found challenging due to the low register required. Initially, he spent long hours in the studio, straining his vocal cords to achieve the desired sound. Over time, however, his voice adapted, much like an athlete's muscles conditioning to a new sport. This adaptation continued into the recording of "The Witcher 2," where the availability of Andrzej Sapkowski's books in English further enriched his understanding of Geralt.

"The Last Wish," the first book available in English, was a revelation for Cockle. He devoured it, gaining deeper insights into Geralt's character, which the developers described as emotionless. This understanding allowed him to balance the character's flat emotional life with his own desire to explore emotional depth as an actor.

Cockle's appreciation for Sapkowski's writing deepened his connection to the fantasy world, particularly with the novel "Season of Storms." He expressed enthusiasm about potentially voicing Geralt in an adaptation of this gripping and graphic tale.

In "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep," based on the short story "A Little Sacrifice" from "Sword of Destiny," Cockle's Geralt navigates a complex conflict between two kingdoms sparked by a mermaid's love for a human prince. While the story is filled with action and political intrigue, Cockle finds joy in the lighter moments, such as a humorous exchange around a campfire with Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's often overlooked softer side.

"Part of liking acting is liking all those different aspects of a character's personality," Cockle explains, appreciating both Geralt's serious demeanor and his attempts at humor, even if they don't always land.

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7 ImagesWhile "Sirens of the Deep" allowed Cockle to utilize his well-honed voice, it also presented a unique challenge: speaking in the fictional language of mermaids. Despite the difficulty, Cockle embraced the challenge, using phonetic spellings to master the new tongue.

Looking ahead, Cockle is set to reprise his role in "The Witcher 4," where Geralt will take a supporting role to Ciri, his adoptive daughter. Although he knows little more than the public about the game, Cockle is excited about this shift in perspective, believing it aligns well with the narrative developments in Sapkowski's books.

For more insights into what CD Projekt Red has planned, check out our in-depth interview with the creators of "The Witcher 4." And to see more of Doug Cockle's work, be sure to watch "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep" on Netflix, or follow him on Instagram, Cameo, and X.