In a surprising twist for fans eagerly awaiting details on The Witcher 4, the potential return of Geralt of Rivia has become shrouded in uncertainty. Doug Cockle, the voice behind the iconic White Wolf in the previous Witcher games, recently revealed that he was “slapped” by CD Projekt Red for sharing what he now admits was a mere rumor about Geralt’s involvement in the upcoming title.
Back in August, Cockle had confidently stated in an interview that Geralt “will be part of the game,” though he wouldn’t be the main focus. This comment had sparked excitement among fans, suggesting a narrative where Geralt might serve as a mentor or side character rather than the lead protagonist. However, during a more recent discussion at MCM Comic Con Birmingham, Cockle recanted his previous statement, indicating that he had been acting on misinformation.
“I did go online and I said something about this, and then I got slapped by CD Projekt because… I don’t know how true it is,” Cockle confessed. He elaborated that his initial claim was based on a rumor he thought was confirmed by someone from CD Projekt, stating, “I went off a rumor – I thought I’d seen somebody from CD Projekt say that Geralt will be in Witcher 4 but he won’t be the main character, and I don’t actually know if that’s true now, because they came back and they went, ‘We haven’t put anything out there, don’t say anything!'”
This backtracking has left fans in a state of speculation. The Witcher series, known for its deep storytelling and character development, concluded Geralt’s saga in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with endings that many considered definitive. The idea of Geralt returning in any capacity was therefore both exciting and controversial, as it suggested a potential shift from the established narrative closure.
CD Projekt Red’s approach to secrecy is well-known in the gaming community, especially after the mixed reception to Cyberpunk 2077 where too much was promised before the game was ready. This time, the company seems intent on keeping details under wraps until they are ready to unveil them officially. The only concrete information fans have to go on is a single teaser image hinting at Ciri’s possible role as the new protagonist, aligning with the “true” ending of The Witcher 3 where she takes on the life of a Witcher.
The debate on social media and in gaming forums has been heated. Some fans express disappointment at the thought of moving away from Geralt, cherishing his journey and character development through three games. Others are intrigued by the prospect of exploring new characters or revisiting familiar ones like Ciri in a more central role, potentially bringing fresh narratives to the rich Witcher lore.
Moreover, there’s speculation about whether The Witcher 4 will feature a new protagonist altogether, perhaps from the enigmatic School of the Lynx, or if it will offer a player-created character, a path some fans are advocating for to bring a more personal touch to the game’s story.
What this situation underscores is CD Projekt Red’s commitment to managing expectations and maintaining narrative control over one of their flagship franchises. As the game progresses into full-scale production, as announced in their latest financial results, the community watches eagerly for any official word on who will be the new face of The Witcher saga.
Until then, the role of Geralt in The Witcher 4 remains a mystery, with Cockle’s retraction serving as a reminder of how quickly speculation can lead to misinformation. Fans are left to ponder whether the White Wolf will indeed return, or if this chapter will finally close the book on Geralt’s adventures, opening new ones for other characters in the vast, dark fantasy world of The Witcher.
