PlatinumGames Confirms Jennifer Hale as the New Voice of Bayonetta in Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch
PlatinumGames, the acclaimed Japanese game developer behind the critically celebrated Bayonetta series, has announced a significant change for Bayonetta 3, the franchise's latest installment on the Nintendo Switch.
Hellena Taylor, who voiced the titular witch in Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate, and the animated film Bayonetta: Bloody Fate, will not reprise her iconic role for Bayonetta 3. The announcement, made via an official statement to Game Informer and reiterated across Nintendo-focused publications, explained the reasoning behind the voice cast shakeup.
Director Yusuke Miyata stated, "Several overlapping factors prevented Hellena Taylor from returning as Bayonetta for the third entry.
We conducted a thorough casting process and selected Jennifer Hale, who we felt captured the essence of Bayonetta perfectly.
While we recognize that fans may have concerns regarding this transition, Jennifer Hale’s interpretation has surpassed our expectations.
We’re confident her portrayal will delight longtime fans of the series." Jennifer Hale is respected within the gaming industry for her voice acting work.
Best known for her role as the female Commander Shepard (FemShep) in Mass Effect, which was re-released in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition in May 2021, she has enjoyed a prolific career in voice-over.
Nintendo fans may also recognize her as the voice of Samus Aran in the Metroid Prime trilogy.
Her extensive experience in portraying strong, nuanced characters is expected to bring a new dimension to Bayonetta as the series evolves on Nintendo Switch. Speculation about a potential voice change arose last year when Hellena Taylor hinted on social media that she might not return for Bayonetta 3.
The official announcement now confirms that the English voice of Bayonetta will be handled by Hale, while the Japanese version retains Atsuko Tanaka in the lead role. Bayonetta 3 is set for exclusive release on Nintendo Switch, reinforcing Nintendo’s strong partnership with PlatinumGames.
The series has cultivated a passionate fan base since its debut, thanks in large part to its distinct storytelling and memorable characters.
Fans can get their first taste of Jennifer Hale’s take on Bayonetta in the official Bayonetta 3 gameplay trailers, available now on Nintendo’s YouTube and eShop channels. As the Bayonetta series continues to evolve, PlatinumGames’ latest casting decision demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the franchise's high standards for performance and storytelling.
With Jennifer Hale at the helm and Yusuke Miyata directing, Bayonetta 3 aims to uphold the legacy of its predecessors while embracing fresh creative energy on the Nintendo Switch platform.
Hellena Taylor, who voiced the titular witch in Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate, and the animated film Bayonetta: Bloody Fate, will not reprise her iconic role for Bayonetta 3. The announcement, made via an official statement to Game Informer and reiterated across Nintendo-focused publications, explained the reasoning behind the voice cast shakeup.
Director Yusuke Miyata stated, "Several overlapping factors prevented Hellena Taylor from returning as Bayonetta for the third entry.
We conducted a thorough casting process and selected Jennifer Hale, who we felt captured the essence of Bayonetta perfectly.
While we recognize that fans may have concerns regarding this transition, Jennifer Hale’s interpretation has surpassed our expectations.
We’re confident her portrayal will delight longtime fans of the series." Jennifer Hale is respected within the gaming industry for her voice acting work.
Best known for her role as the female Commander Shepard (FemShep) in Mass Effect, which was re-released in the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition in May 2021, she has enjoyed a prolific career in voice-over.
Nintendo fans may also recognize her as the voice of Samus Aran in the Metroid Prime trilogy.
Her extensive experience in portraying strong, nuanced characters is expected to bring a new dimension to Bayonetta as the series evolves on Nintendo Switch. Speculation about a potential voice change arose last year when Hellena Taylor hinted on social media that she might not return for Bayonetta 3.
The official announcement now confirms that the English voice of Bayonetta will be handled by Hale, while the Japanese version retains Atsuko Tanaka in the lead role. Bayonetta 3 is set for exclusive release on Nintendo Switch, reinforcing Nintendo’s strong partnership with PlatinumGames.
The series has cultivated a passionate fan base since its debut, thanks in large part to its distinct storytelling and memorable characters.
Fans can get their first taste of Jennifer Hale’s take on Bayonetta in the official Bayonetta 3 gameplay trailers, available now on Nintendo’s YouTube and eShop channels. As the Bayonetta series continues to evolve, PlatinumGames’ latest casting decision demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the franchise's high standards for performance and storytelling.
With Jennifer Hale at the helm and Yusuke Miyata directing, Bayonetta 3 aims to uphold the legacy of its predecessors while embracing fresh creative energy on the Nintendo Switch platform.
