Platinum Games Reportedly Offered Bayonetta Voice Actor Roughly $15,000, Contradicting Original Claim

Hellena, a former Bayonetta voice actor released videos on Twitter this past weekend explaining why the character she voiced was not cast again. Taylor claimed she received $4,000 for the performance. 

Taylor was replaced by famed voice actor Jennifer Hale, best known for roles such as female Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series and hero Ashe in the Overwatch franchise. Bayonetta developer Platinum Games told Game Informer in our cover story coverage this change happened due to “various overlapping circumstances.” Taylor was quiet on the issue, and many presumed this was due to non-disclosure agreements common in the video game industry. But, October 15th was a significant date. she released multiple videos explaining that she was offered “immoral” compensation, whipping the internet and Bayonetta fandom into a flurry of anger toward Platinum. 

A new however, is in the works BloombergFurther confirmation of the story by Video Games Chronicle, reveals new details that show there’s more to this story and that Taylor’s claims are reportedly untrue.

According to Bloomberg’sPlatinum was informed by sources that Taylor had been a part of this event and knew how it ended. With plans for five to six sessions each, Taylor would be able to speak the character in between $3000 and $4000. Each session would last four hours.VGC’sHowever, sources claimed that it may have only been four sessions. BloombergWe also reviewed documentation in order to verify these negotiations. One VGC’sAccording to sources, this $15,000 offer was significantly more than the Bayonetta 2 offer. 

Taylor demanded a six-figure and residual payment in response. Platinum declined this counteroffer and, after the two parties couldn’t come to an agreement, began holding auditions for a new voice actor. Hale was given the role. BloombergAccording to reports, Platinum offered Taylor a role in the game with payment for one session. Taylor declined. 

Taylor told Bloomberg in an email that this recounting of events was “an absolute lie” and that Platinum was “trying to save their ass and the game.” 

“I would like to put this whole bloody franchise behind me quite frankly [and] get on with my life in the theatre,” she wrote in the email, according to Bloomberg. Both Nintendo and Platinum did not return requests to comment. Taylor also shared the same sentiments. VGC in private messages, according to the publication’s story. 

Bayonetta 3, available on Switch from October 28. 

[Source: Bloomberg, Video Games Chronicle]