Doug Cockle Wasn't the Instinctive Choice for Geralt in The Witcher—His Unique Approach Won Over CD Projekt Red
Doug Cockle's performance as Geralt in The Witcher series was unexpected yet effective, showcasing his approachable take on the iconic character.
It may seem unbelievable now, especially with Doug Cockle’s distinctive voice defining Geralt in three games and various DLCs, but when it came to casting for The Witcher series, CD Projekt Red faced deep uncertainty over what the character should sound like.
The Witcher 3 at 10
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Speaking to Borys Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz, the English adaptation director, it was assumed that Cockle was the natural fit for Geralt, a presumption Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz quickly countered: “He was not the obvious choice, by any means.”
He continued to explain, “Geralt’s voice, as described in Sapkowski’s writings, is depicted as harsh, metallic, almost inhuman. Finding someone whose vocal qualities matched that wasn’t initially what we were after.”
Interestingly, the studio’s vision for Geralt shifted towards something more relatable. “We sought a badass voice,” shared Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz, recognizing that accents and voice characteristics were hotly debated among the marketing team and themselves.
After reviewing a shortlist of talent, Cockle prevailed. Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz stated: “Amid discussions, some believed a Texan accent epitomized ‘badass’. While I often lamented the lost opportunity for a cowboy Geralt, it’s clear CD Projekt Red made the right choice.”
Ultimately, the team settled on an ’everyman’ tone, helping players connect emotionally with Geralt during their adventures. Cockle’s voice encapsulated the essence of a relatable hero amidst a fantastical world, enabling players to appreciate the character’s deeper traits.
Despite initial uncertainty, Cockle’s persistent efforts in auditions paid off, especially when he was called back for the sequel. “I remember finding it surprising that I had to audition again,” he recalled.
Despite being given the opportunity to cast anew, the reasons for Cockle’s return were very much the same. His portrayal of Geralt—gravelly yet full of warmth—carries on in what many fans see as a perfect embodiment of the character, with further appearances confirmed in The Witcher 4.
