Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in CD Projekt Red's Witcher games, reprises his iconic role in Netflix's animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep. Unlike the live-action series, Cockle's performance wasn't adjusted to emulate Henry Cavill or Liam Hemsworth, preserving the familiar gravelly tone fans have cherished for nearly two decades.

His journey began in 2005, voicing Geralt for the first Witcher game. The deep register proved challenging, requiring eight to nine hours of daily recording, leaving Cockle's throat strained. This rigorous process, however, strengthened his vocal cords, similar to an athlete training their muscles.

The release of Sapkowski's books in English during The Witcher 2's production significantly impacted Cockle's portrayal. Initially guided solely by the developers' description of Geralt as "emotionless," reading The Last Wish provided a deeper understanding of the character's emotional depth, allowing for a more nuanced performance. Cockle particularly enjoyed Season of Storms, expressing a desire to voice Geralt in a future adaptation of this 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 appreciates the lighter moments, particularly a humorous exchange between Geralt and Jaskier, showcasing Geralt's often-overlooked softer side. He enjoys portraying the character's range, from serious and brooding to attempting (and usually failing) humor.

The anime presented a unique challenge: speaking Mermaid. Cockle found this surprisingly difficult, despite receiving phonetic spellings.

Looking ahead, Cockle will return to the video game world in The Witcher 4, where Geralt will be a supporting character, with Ciri taking the lead. He's enthusiastic about this shift in perspective, believing it's a compelling narrative choice, particularly given events in the books.

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To learn more about The Witcher 4, check out our interview with its creators. You can also find Doug Cockle on Instagram, Cameo, and X. Watch The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep on Netflix.