The Witcher 4 Development Team Addresses Ciri’s Voice Actor Change and Surrounding Controversy

Following the announcement of The Witcher 4, fans of the series have been buzzing with anticipation, especially regarding the character Ciri. CD Projekt RED has confirmed that Ciri will be voiced by a new actor in this installment, stirring some discussions among the community.

The excitement for The Witcher 4 reached a new peak during the Game Awards 2024, where the first substantial gameplay trailer was unveiled. This trailer highlighted Ciri as the game’s main protagonist

The trailer reveals a more seasoned Ciri, showcasing her growth as a character shaped by her experiences and challenges over time. While her maturity is evident, fans quickly noticed that her voice resonated differently compared to her portrayal in The Witcher 3.

In a conversation with The Gamer, a representative from CD Projekt RED confirmed that the voice role for Ciri would indeed be taken over by a new actress. The transition has raised some eyebrows among long-time followers of the franchise.

Newly cast for Ciri’s voice is Ciara Berkeley. A spokesperson elaborated, stating, “Ciara Berkeley was chosen for the role due to her impressive enthusiasm and vocal talent. Her performance brings a refreshing and faithful representation of Ciri that we believe fans will appreciate.”

Reasons Behind Ciri’s Voice Actor Change

Initially, it appeared that Berkeley was brought in only for the trailer; however, it has since been confirmed that she will continue as Ciri’s voice throughout the entirety of The Witcher 4, effectively replacing Jo Wyatt, who voiced a younger Ciri in the previous game.

The announcement has sparked a variety of reactions among fans. In an online discussion via Reddit, opinions were mixed, with some expressing reluctance about the change. One user remarked, “I wasn’t really a fan of the change when I first heard it, not that Ciara doesn’t sound good, it’s just a change I’m not so sure on.”

Others, however, embraced the transition, with comments like, “I don’t necessarily mind that the voice actress changed. Jo Wyatt was great as a younger Ciri, but she might struggle to capture the essence of an adult Ciri who has hardened over time.”

While the debate surrounding Ciri’s new voice actor is noteworthy, it seems less contentious compared to the criticisms regarding the focus on a female protagonist in The Witcher 4. Despite the groundwork laid in the Blood and Wine expansion, some fans have shared their apprehensions about Ciri’s new role and appearance.

For those concerned about the future of Geralt of Rivia, it’s worth mentioning that he will also feature in The Witcher 4. Importantly, his original voice actor, Doug Cockle, is set to reprise his beloved role.

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