While some players might not like Ciri as the next protagonist in The Witcher 4, it seems like Doug Cockle has a different opinion.

Whether the lengthy wait will be worthwhile or not is still up in the air, but at least a trailer for The Witcher 4 was unveiled at the 2024 Game Awards. Nearly ten years have passed since the previous Witcher game was released, and during that time, CD Projekt Red’s focus was primarily diverted from their cherished franchise to Cyberpunk 2077. At the very least, though, The Witcher 4 has revealed its face—a fresh one at that.

The Witcher 4 was announced at The Game Awards 2024. | Credit: CD Projekt Red.

Although Geralt of Rivia has been The Witcher‘s ace for many years, “Ciri,” whose real name is Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, is now the main character in The Witcher 4. And with this news, not only the fans, but the voice actor of Geralt is massively excited as well.

Geralt’s voice actor Doug Cockle is excited about the role of Ciri in The Witcher 4

Ciri will play the role of the main protagonist in the upcoming title. | Credit: CD Projekt Red.

Although the setting of The Witcher 4 and the gameplay mechanics are still unknown, fans can at least anticipate an original story that is unlike any previously told tale because Ciri will be playing Geralt’s role. Ciri’s character will probably be explored in greater detail in The Witcher 4 than in any previous game.

Although the community is a bit disappointed seeing Ciri taking center stage, Geralt’s voice actor Doug Cockle is absolutely not bothered by the backlashes. Here’s what he told IGN:

I’m really excited. I think it’s a really good move. I mean, I always thought that continuing the saga, but shifting to Ciri would be a really, really interesting move for all kinds of reasons, but mostly because of things that happen in the books, which I don’t want to give away because… I want people to go read. So yeah, I think it’s really exciting. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to see what they’ve done.

In spite of its title, The Witcher 4, the upcoming game marks the beginning of a whole new tale, or more precisely, a new trilogy, for the franchise. Although Geralt of Rivia will still play a part in the game, this is evident in The Witcher 4′s decision to make Ciri the main character, thereby putting him on a well-earned vacation.

As a result, it’s possible that The Witcher 4 will contain traces of the plot from the previous games, but it might decide to set aside the past and concentrate on creating its own route for the time being.

How can CDPR make Ciri’s role interesting in The Witcher 4?

Ciri needs to play her part for a longer run. | Credit: CD Projekt Red

Even though she was introduced to the series far earlier than Geralt, who has already had plenty of time in the spotlight to the point of becoming the face of The Witcher, Ciri has essentially just used The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as her stage. During the plot of The Witcher 3, players have a brief opportunity to take on the role of Ciri.

Although the third game delves more into her character than any other, she has still been primarily kept in Geralt’s shadow. She now has the opportunity to shine as the main character and protagonist of The Witcher 4.

Just as Geralt received his own trilogy, Ciri too deserves the lead role that she currently holds in future titles as well. There is a chance that Ciri will be replaced by another Witcher in the following game or the one after that, or that Geralt will return to the main stage for whatever reason, but let’s leave speculations or some other time.

Ciri demonstrated in The Witcher 3 that she possesses some interesting facets to her personality, which might only be fully developed in the upcoming title and beyond. Now, it’s up to CDPR how it is going to shape up the present and the future of Ciri in the upcoming games.