Doug Cockle's Enthusiasm for Returning to The Witcher Franchise

The Origin of The Witcher Franchise

The Witcher franchise, born from the world crafted by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, gained widespread acclaim and made its way into the video game world in 2007. At the center of this dark fantasy universe is Geralt of Rivia, the silver-haired and monster-slaying protagonist. Doug Cockle was in charge of voicing the iconic character in the video game adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's books.

A screenshot of Geralt of Rivia amid a sunset in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

In the middle of 2023, Cockle was diagnosed with prostate cancer; however, he assured fans that his treatment was looking good so far. Now, players might be keen to learn about his future involvement in The Witcher universe.

Doug Cockle's Passion for the Role of Geralt

In a conversation with IGN, Doug Cockle shed light on his profound connection with the character Geralt of Rivia and his eagerness to continue contributing to future games in The Witcher franchise. Expressing his passion for the role, Cockle stated, 'I would love to just keep voicing Geralt until I can no longer voice anymore.' Describing his collaboration with CD Projekt Red, he emphasizes the unique nature of his relationship, stating that he doesn't work for them but rather with them. Cockle likens himself to a satellite orbiting the inner workings of the company, called in periodically to contribute his voice.

In late 2022, CD Projekt Red released its long-term product outlook, which included Canis Majoris, the codename for The Witcher remake. Cockle expressed his notable excitement about this project, mentioning how thrilled he is every time CD Projekt Red calls him to voice Geralt. Set to utilize Unreal Engine 5, he anticipates the remake's potential to showcase the significant advancements in graphics technology since the original game's release in 2007. The Witcher remake holds a special place for Cockle, as he recorded the voice for Geralt in 2005 for the original Witcher game.

The Future of The Witcher Franchise

Doug Cockle has also voiced characters in other popular video games such as Baldur's Gate 3, Payday 3, and Alan Wake 2, among others. However, his standout role is the character of Geralt. As the franchise aims to expand with future projects like Polaris, the first game in a new Witcher trilogy, and Sirius, the Witcher title that will incorporate multiplayer, the chances of seeing Cockle voicing Geralt grow stronger.

Doug Cockle's expressed desire to continue voicing Geralt of Rivia bodes well for fans. His genuine enthusiasm for working with CD Projekt Red and excitement about The Witcher remake indicate a strong commitment to the character and the overall Witcher universe.