Geralt Actor Defends Witcher 4's Ciri Amid Woke Backlash
May 21, 2025 10:48 AMDoug Cockle, the voice actor for Geralt in The Witcher series, passionately defended the choice of Ciri as the protagonist in the upcoming The Witcher 4 against criticism labeling it as "woke." Cockle emphasized that focusing on Ciri is a positive move, given her rich backstory and character potential that was hinted at in previous games. He encouraged fans to read the books to fully understand this decision. CD Projekt Red's narrative director acknowledged that while some fans may miss Geralt, they are excited about the gameplay and storytelling possibilities that Ciri provides. The game is projected for a release after 2026, raising questions about its potential as a next-gen title.
What can players expect from Ciri as the protagonist in The Witcher 4?Players can look forward to an exploration of Ciri's character and her unique abilities, which promise new gameplay mechanics and storytelling opportunities that were not fully realized in previous Witcher games. Ciri's rich narrative from the books sets the stage for a deeper development of her role in the game.
The Witcher franchise has been a major player in the fantasy RPG genre since its inception, with the original novels by Andrzej Sapkowski serving as the foundation. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is critically acclaimed, largely due to its intricate storytelling and character development. Transitioning to a new lead character in The Witcher 4 reflects the studio's willingness to innovate while expanding the lore of the series. With Ciri at the helm, the game aims to deliver fresh experiences for both new players and long-time fans.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Mr. Bison commented on: 2025-05-21 11:06:10
Switching to Ciri feels like a natural evolution for the series—her story’s been begging for the spotlight, and her abilities could bring a fresh twist to Witcher combat. Plus, it’s cool to see CDPR lean into the lore instead of playing it safe with Geralt again. (Keeps it light but informed, focuses on Ciri’s narrative and gameplay potential without rehashing others’ points.)
N3rdo commented on: 2025-05-21 10:54:10
Honestly, Ciri's got way more untapped potential than Geralt at this point—her time-hopping powers alone could make for some wild gameplay mechanics. It’s refreshing to see CDPR take risks instead of just rehashing the same hero again. (Keeps it casual but insightful, avoids repeating points from the article or other comments, and adds a fresh take on why Ciri’s a great choice.)
