‘Boycott Bayonetta’, says the original voice actor

The Bayonetta voice actor has called for a PlatinumGames boycott and pleaded with fans not to buy Bayonetta 3 in support.

Recently, it was revealed that Hellena Taylor would not reprise her role as Bayonetta in the upcoming third entry.

Furthermore, in an interview with Game Informer, it was suggested that conflicting projects were the reason Taylor was recast.

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Instead, Jennifer Hale, a beloved voice actor herself, would now take up the role of Bayonetta.

However, it seems that fans believe Hale to be a worthy substitute for Taylor. Furthermore, judging by recent gameplay trailers, Hale portrays a fantastic voiced version of the vixen witch.

Why is Hale now the voice of Bayonetta?

Speaking to Game Informer, Yusuke Miyata of PlatinumGames and director of Bayonetta 3 said that the decision to swap Hale in place of Taylor was due to “overlapping circumstances”. Adding that “Jennifer’s performance was way beyond what we could have imagined.

However, it seems that the reason why she wasn’t recast as Bayonetta wasn’t due to conflicting interests, as first suggested. The reason Taylor wasn’t recast was due to an alleged offer of $4,000 USD for the whole game, which she deemed an “insult.

Voice actor debunked claims made by PlatinumGames

“Platinum had the cheek to say that I was busy, that they couldn’t make it work. Well, I had nothing but time.”

Taylor posted a series of videos explaining her side of the story and debunked PlatinumGames claims of “overlapping circumstances”.

She suggested the $4,000 is a flat rate with no royalties. Moreover, it does not reflect her years of hard work and dedication to the Bayonetta series.

Taylor also claims that the “Bayonetta franchise made an approximated $450 million, not including merchandise” since it was first released in 2009.

In the series of four videos, Taylor was clearly shaken and upset, and even spoke about her depression and suicidal thoughts.

I was just asking for a decent dignified living wage. What they did was legal but it was immoral,” said the actress. Taylor is pleading with fans to stand up for the rights of voice actors to “boycott Bayonetta 3 to let their voices be heard.

Taylor also revealed that as a result of her video posts, she has likely broken an NDA agreement with PlatinumGames.

Actor calls for Bayonetta boycott

I am not afraid of the non-disclosure agreement. I can’t even afford to run a car, what are they going to do? Take my clothes…good luck to them. Bayonetta always stands up for those with less power and stands up for what is right, and by doing this you stand with her. Thank you.

bayonetta 3
Credit: PlatinumGames

In a final video, Taylor mentions Hale by wishing her “all the joy in the world” but claimed she had “no right” to step into the role of Bayonetta.

Personally, I’d like to give Hale the benefit of the doubt and assume that she knew nothing of the alleged treatment of Taylor.

I created that voice, she has no right to sign merchandise as Bayonetta…they’ll [PlatinumGames] probably try and do a spin-off with Jan, don’t buy that either.

At this time, we don’t know the truth about the whole story. As they say, there are always two sides.

However, to add my two cents, I’d find it surprising that if PlatinumGames had offered Taylor $4k, they would also offer Hale the same amount, especially for one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Voice actors rallied in support of Taylor

detroit become human
Credit: Quantic Dream

Members of the video game voice-acting community have rallied in support of Taylor, including the likes of David Hayter.

Prior to the release of Metal Gear Solid 5 in 2015, Hayter was replaced by Hollywood actor, Kiefer Sutherland.

Sure, Sutherland did a great job as Big Boss, however, Hayter was recognised as the voice of Solid Snake and Big Boss since the series began.

So, we can perhaps draw some comparisons between Hella/Taylor’s Bayonetta situation. Yet, Hayter’s tweet has now been deleted, for some reason.

However, another voice actor that has offered support to Taylor is Bryan Dechart (Detroit: Become Human) who shared a tweet implying that he has had a similar experience as the Bayonetta actress in the past.

Will you boycott Bayonetta 3?

Whether Taylor’s pleas of boycotting Bayonetta 3 as well as future releases will have any impact, remains to be seen.

Sadly, it’s just a shame seeing Taylor visually hurt. It is a sad sight to see and we hope that she lands all the work she wants going forward.

Finally, what are your thoughts on this story? Let us know across our social media channels. Bayonetta 3 releases this month on October 28th for the Nintendo Switch.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?

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Featured Image Credit: Nintendo/PlatinumGames/Source: Nintendo Life