Geralt Actor Dismisses "Woke" Ciri Witcher 4 Claim

Doug Cockle, the iconic voice of Geralt of Rivia, has responded to criticism surrounding The Witcher 4's focus on Ciri, urging detractors within the fan community to familiarize themselves with the original literary source material.

"That line of reasoning is simply unfounded," Cockle remarked regarding the backlash aimed at CD Projekt's upcoming RPG, which has arisen primarily because it will feature Ciri as the central protagonist for the first time in the series.

"This isn't about being 'woke,'" Cockle elaborated in a video interview published by Fall Damage. "There is nothing inherently 'woke' about this creative decision. Ciri is a compelling and integral character within The Witcher universe, and dedicating a game to her story is a fantastic development."

Cockle has provided the voice for Geralt across CD Projekt's entire Witcher series and is confirmed to reprise his role as the famed monster hunter in the next installment, though not as the primary playable character.

Even with Geralt maintaining a presence in the new game, last year's announcement that his adoptive daughter would lead the narrative of the next title—and likely the subsequent new Witcher trilogy—prompted a vocal minority online to accuse the series of embracing 'woke' culture.

"We cannot simply revolve every Witcher game around Geralt indefinitely until the concept becomes tiresome," Cockle explained, justifying why his character deserves a narrative respite. "We have witnessed the conclusion of Geralt's personal saga. The 'Blood and Wine' expansion was designed as the definitive endpoint for his journey."

"I fully support Ciri taking the spotlight. I think her role as the new protagonist is worth celebrating. To those who dismiss this as 'woke'... [expresses disapproval]."

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Cockle went on to imply that the decision to center The Witcher 4 on Ciri is deeply rooted in the narrative established by the original novel series from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.

"Anyone who has read the books will understand the narrative justification for CD Projekt pursuing this direction," Cockle stated. "There is a vast, untapped depth to Ciri's character and experiences that the games have not yet explored, largely because The Witcher 3's story was fundamentally Geralt's. However, her potential was hinted at even then."

"If your immediate reaction is to label this 'woke,' I strongly recommend reading the source novels—they are excellent, for one. Secondly, you will likely reconsider your perspective on the matter."

While CD Projekt's games are loosely set after the events of Sapkowski's final novel, the author himself has historically maintained a separation between his literary conclusion for the characters and the video game continuations that resume Geralt's story later on.

Without revealing specific plot points from the final book that The Witcher 4 might adapt, it is accurate to note that Sapkowski, much like CD Projekt, also envisioned Ciri as a pivotal figure—one perfectly suited to drive the narrative forward when Geralt's own story reaches a period of rest.

IGN previously explored Geralt's return in The Witcher 4 with CD Projekt's franchise and lore designers Cian Maher and Marcin Batylda, who detailed how his reappearance aligns coherently with the established timeline.