Jennifer Hale Reflects on Bayonetta 3 Experience and Navigating Bayonetta Voice Actor Controversy
Jennifer Hale, a renowned voice actor acclaimed for her roles as Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series and characters like Naomi Hunter and Emma Emmerich in Metal Gear Solid, recently opened up about her experience voicing Bayonetta in Bayonetta 3.
The third entry in PlatinumGames’ acclaimed action series was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on October 28, 2022, following significant anticipation from fans and a celebrated history since the franchise's original debut on Nintendo platforms. Speaking in an interview with GAMINGbible, relayed by IGN, Hale addressed the circumstances surrounding her casting in Bayonetta 3.
She explained that after being selected to take over the titular role from previous voice actor Hellena Taylor, she became embroiled in an unexpected controversy.
“Everything unfolded so quickly.
I was unable to speak on my own behalf because I was bound by two separate non-disclosure agreements.
When I finally earned the opportunity to clarify the facts, I was grateful to set the record straight,” Hale noted. The controversy began when PlatinumGames confirmed that Hale would replace Taylor as the voice of Bayonetta.
Taylor subsequently urged fans to boycott Bayonetta 3, asserting that she was offered a mere $4,000 as a flat rate for the entire game.
The public initially supported Taylor, but later reporting indicated that this rate was offered for multiple sessions rather than the entire project as a single payment. During her interview, Hale stated, “Certain things circulated as facts that were simply untrue.
I would not have accepted the role without verifying everything thoroughly beforehand, and I placed my trust in the director’s leadership throughout the process.” Despite the initial backlash, Hale found joy in embracing the iconic character and praised the Bayonetta community for their acceptance.
“Playing Bayonetta was an incredible experience, and the support from the community, especially once the truth came out, made it worthwhile,” she said.
PlatinumGames also publicly backed Hale, issuing a statement that read, “We give our full support to Jennifer Hale as the new Bayonetta, and align with everything in her statement.” Ultimately, the incident subsided as further context emerged and both the developer and Hale clarified their positions.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Hale remarked, “It was difficult to be put in such a position, but I appreciate having come through it positively.” Earlier this year, series creator Hideki Kamiya addressed the issue directly, commenting, “That whole situation was seriously disappointing.” Since its launch, Bayonetta 3 has become a focal point for Nintendo Switch action fans and continues to see strong digital performance on the Nintendo eShop.
Jennifer Hale’s professionalism and PlatinumGames’ ongoing support have ensured the Bayonetta series maintains its stature as one of Nintendo’s standout franchises.
The future may yet hold more for Hale and Bayonetta as anticipation for potential sequels grows among fans.
The third entry in PlatinumGames’ acclaimed action series was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on October 28, 2022, following significant anticipation from fans and a celebrated history since the franchise's original debut on Nintendo platforms. Speaking in an interview with GAMINGbible, relayed by IGN, Hale addressed the circumstances surrounding her casting in Bayonetta 3.
She explained that after being selected to take over the titular role from previous voice actor Hellena Taylor, she became embroiled in an unexpected controversy.
“Everything unfolded so quickly.
I was unable to speak on my own behalf because I was bound by two separate non-disclosure agreements.
When I finally earned the opportunity to clarify the facts, I was grateful to set the record straight,” Hale noted. The controversy began when PlatinumGames confirmed that Hale would replace Taylor as the voice of Bayonetta.
Taylor subsequently urged fans to boycott Bayonetta 3, asserting that she was offered a mere $4,000 as a flat rate for the entire game.
The public initially supported Taylor, but later reporting indicated that this rate was offered for multiple sessions rather than the entire project as a single payment. During her interview, Hale stated, “Certain things circulated as facts that were simply untrue.
I would not have accepted the role without verifying everything thoroughly beforehand, and I placed my trust in the director’s leadership throughout the process.” Despite the initial backlash, Hale found joy in embracing the iconic character and praised the Bayonetta community for their acceptance.
“Playing Bayonetta was an incredible experience, and the support from the community, especially once the truth came out, made it worthwhile,” she said.
PlatinumGames also publicly backed Hale, issuing a statement that read, “We give our full support to Jennifer Hale as the new Bayonetta, and align with everything in her statement.” Ultimately, the incident subsided as further context emerged and both the developer and Hale clarified their positions.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Hale remarked, “It was difficult to be put in such a position, but I appreciate having come through it positively.” Earlier this year, series creator Hideki Kamiya addressed the issue directly, commenting, “That whole situation was seriously disappointing.” Since its launch, Bayonetta 3 has become a focal point for Nintendo Switch action fans and continues to see strong digital performance on the Nintendo eShop.
Jennifer Hale’s professionalism and PlatinumGames’ ongoing support have ensured the Bayonetta series maintains its stature as one of Nintendo’s standout franchises.
The future may yet hold more for Hale and Bayonetta as anticipation for potential sequels grows among fans.
