The anticipation surrounding the next installment of the iconic RPG series, The Witcher 4, reached new heights during The Game Awards 2024, where the first real glimpse of the game was revealed. This momentous occasion not only confirmed the sequel's existence but also featured the surprising news of recasting the voice of the protagonist, Ciri.
Ciri, who has become synonymous with the series, is stepping out of Geralt's shadow to take center stage, but with this shift, fans have noticed something distinct: her voice. Previously voiced by Jo Wyatt, Ciri’s character is now brought to life by Ciara Berkeley, who made her debut as Ciri during the cinematic reveal trailer.
According to CD Projekt Red, the development studio behind the game, Berkeley was chosen for her enthusiasm and vocal acting skills. "Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri for The Witcher IV Cinematic Reveal Trailer. Ciara is a talented actress who impressed us with her enthusiasm and vocal acting skills, and in this trailer, we believe she truly brought Ciri to life in a way that's both faithful to the character and exciting for fans of the series," the studio stated to The Gamer.
This move to recast Ciri undoubtedly raises questions among long-time fans. Jo Wyatt's iconic portrayal helped solidify Ciri's persona as Geralt of Rivia’s surrogate daughter and fiercely independent character. Her transition from a naive girl burdened by prophecy to a capable monster slayer was central to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and many fans are understandably protective of her legacy.
While Wyatt’s departure may sting for some, it’s important to recognize the creative direction being taken. Ciri is set to tackle the role of the lead character, and with her evolution as a character—now embodying grit and toughness shaped by her harsh realities—Berkeley’s portrayal could bring fresh energy and nuances to the narrative.
CIara Berkeley is fairly new to the scene, having made her mark with minor roles, and this leap could potentially mark her career's breakout moment. Yet, it also poses the question: how will her voice reflect Ciri’s maturity and complexity? The latest trailer showcases Ciri's transformation, now conveying the weight of her actions and decisions where she must navigate morally grey dilemmas. This contrasts sharply with the youthful enthusiasm previously displayed.
With the setting of The Witcher 4 taking place "a few years later after Wild Hunt," we're left wondering how much this change will impact the character's portrayal. Ciri will have gained experience and, presumably, depth as she confronts her new challenges as the main protagonist. It's implied the gameplay will allow greater agency for players to sculpt her character. CD Projekt Red aims to provide diverse gameplay options compared to the previous titles.
Geralt will return, voiced by Doug Cockle, but his role remains under wraps. The developers have not specified how much players might expect him to influence the story of Ciri, leading to tension over how these beloved characters will interact.
While the exact release date for The Witcher 4 has not been confirmed, CD Projekt Red is applying lessons learned from the problematic launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The studio aims to avoid the toxic hype cycles and promises to announce the release date only when more definitive information is available.
Fans’ hopes for the new direction seem high, as does the eagerness to witness Ciara Berkeley’s interpretation of Ciri. The anticipation continues to build as CD Projekt Red has shown commitment to learning from past experiences and meeting fan expectations moving forward.
The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of what is promised to be another thrilling saga, and as players prepare to step once again on the adventure, the excitement of unearthing Ciri's new path is undeniable. How this voice change will shape the narrative of Ciri’s growth and her new adventures still lingers tantalizingly unanswered.
