The Witcher’s Geralt voice actor reveals how he almost lost the role and shares his plan to keep working into old age

Geralt might sound different today if the actor had not pushed for the role.

Doug Cockle voiced Geralt in the English versions of The Witcher games. In a recent interview with Polygon, Cockle recalled his early work and a time he almost lost the part.

During his initial audition at CD Projekt Red, Cockle developed the voice players recognize today. The studio described Geralt as a battle-worn antihero with little humor, someone performing deadly work while facing constant mistreatment. At one point, the casting team asked him to channel Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films.

The Witcher books were not yet translated into English during production. Cockle relied on the information provided by the developers. He based his performance on concept art of Geralt, Triss, Yennefer, and various creatures from the game world.

While working as an acting teacher, Cockle received a message from a friend. The friend mentioned auditioning for the role of Geralt in The Witcher 2, assuming the part was no longer Cockle’s.

Cockle contacted lead writer Borys Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz to advocate for his return. The studio eventually invited him back to record for the sequel.

Doug Cockle wants to continue voicing Geralt in the future.