Jennifer Hale Reflects on Her Bayonetta Role for Nintendo Switch and Expresses Hope for the Series’ Future
Since its debut in 2009, the Bayonetta series has become a staple of stylish action games, renowned for its fast-paced gameplay and charismatic protagonist.
Bayonetta 3, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo, launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in October 2022, adding a new chapter to the franchise’s legacy.
Behind the scenes, however, a major change marked this entry: the recasting of Bayonetta’s voice, with Jennifer Hale stepping into the iconic role after a well-publicized dispute between PlatinumGames and the original actress, Hellena Taylor. In a recent interview, Jennifer Hale candidly addressed both her experience voicing Bayonetta and the significant controversy that initially surrounded her casting.
While she was not the first to lend her voice to the character, Hale was chosen for the role after Hellena Taylor declined an offer to return.
This decision, and the circumstances around it, led to intense online debate and a great deal of scrutiny for Hale and key personnel at PlatinumGames, including former Vice President Hideki Kamiya. Hale recalled her time on Bayonetta 3 as both challenging and rewarding.
"I would love to reprise Bayonetta in the future, but joining the project was difficult given the public misunderstanding at the time," she explained.
"Due to multiple non-disclosure agreements, I couldn’t clarify my position until I was finally permitted to make a statement, for which I was grateful.
Once the facts were disclosed, including the details around Taylor’s compensation offer and my acceptance of the role, the community became much more accepting." She further clarified that the offer to Taylor was around $15,000 for the part, split over several recording sessions, and that Hale only joined the cast based on the understanding that Taylor had passed on the opportunity.
"Certain claims were made that weren’t true," Hale stated.
"I always verify details and trust my director before accepting a role.
Ultimately, I found joy in bringing Bayonetta to life, and fans were warm and welcoming after the truth came to light." Since the release of Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch, a prequel titled Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has also launched, delivering new narrative content for fans.
However, the future of the mainline Bayonetta series remains uncertain, given Hideki Kamiya’s departure from PlatinumGames to start a new venture with Capcom, and the departure of several original team members. Despite these developments, Jennifer Hale is openly enthusiastic about returning as Bayonetta should the series continue.
As the franchise marks its 15th anniversary and celebrates milestones on Nintendo platforms, fans remain eager for news of a potential sequel, whether announced in a future Nintendo Direct or arriving as a new eShop highlight.
Until then, Hale’s performance in Bayonetta 3 stands as a testament to her professionalism and the enduring appeal of PlatinumGames’ signature witch.
Bayonetta 3, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo, launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in October 2022, adding a new chapter to the franchise’s legacy.
Behind the scenes, however, a major change marked this entry: the recasting of Bayonetta’s voice, with Jennifer Hale stepping into the iconic role after a well-publicized dispute between PlatinumGames and the original actress, Hellena Taylor. In a recent interview, Jennifer Hale candidly addressed both her experience voicing Bayonetta and the significant controversy that initially surrounded her casting.
While she was not the first to lend her voice to the character, Hale was chosen for the role after Hellena Taylor declined an offer to return.
This decision, and the circumstances around it, led to intense online debate and a great deal of scrutiny for Hale and key personnel at PlatinumGames, including former Vice President Hideki Kamiya. Hale recalled her time on Bayonetta 3 as both challenging and rewarding.
"I would love to reprise Bayonetta in the future, but joining the project was difficult given the public misunderstanding at the time," she explained.
"Due to multiple non-disclosure agreements, I couldn’t clarify my position until I was finally permitted to make a statement, for which I was grateful.
Once the facts were disclosed, including the details around Taylor’s compensation offer and my acceptance of the role, the community became much more accepting." She further clarified that the offer to Taylor was around $15,000 for the part, split over several recording sessions, and that Hale only joined the cast based on the understanding that Taylor had passed on the opportunity.
"Certain claims were made that weren’t true," Hale stated.
"I always verify details and trust my director before accepting a role.
Ultimately, I found joy in bringing Bayonetta to life, and fans were warm and welcoming after the truth came to light." Since the release of Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch, a prequel titled Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has also launched, delivering new narrative content for fans.
However, the future of the mainline Bayonetta series remains uncertain, given Hideki Kamiya’s departure from PlatinumGames to start a new venture with Capcom, and the departure of several original team members. Despite these developments, Jennifer Hale is openly enthusiastic about returning as Bayonetta should the series continue.
As the franchise marks its 15th anniversary and celebrates milestones on Nintendo platforms, fans remain eager for news of a potential sequel, whether announced in a future Nintendo Direct or arriving as a new eShop highlight.
Until then, Hale’s performance in Bayonetta 3 stands as a testament to her professionalism and the enduring appeal of PlatinumGames’ signature witch.
