Update: Platinum Game Responds To Bayonetta 3 Voice Actor Controversy

Update, 10/21/22:

Bayonetta 3 developer Platinum Games, the studio former Bayonetta voice actor Hellena Taylor accused of low-balling with “immoral” compensation (which has since been disputed by Bloomberg reporting – see original story below), has responded to the ongoing voice actor controversy surrounding its game. Taylor claims were not addressed by the studio. Instead, Jennifer Hale, a new Bayonetta voice actress, was supported. 

The complete statement of Platinum Games is here: 

Below is the original story…

Original Story 10/19/22

Hellena Taylor (ex-Bayonetta voice actress) posted a series of tweets this weekend explaining why she didn’t return to the role. She claimed that she had been offered only $4,000 to play in the game. 

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. On October 15, however, she released multiple videos explaining that she was offered “immoral” compensation, whipping the internet and Bayonetta fandom into a flurry of anger toward Platinum. 

But, there is a brand new 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.

Based on Bloomberg’sPlatinum obtained information from sources about these events, and was keen to retain Taylor as Bayonetta’s voice actor. She was offered $3000-4000 per session by the studio to perform the role. There were plans to record at least five sessions, each lasting four hours.VGC’sSources claimed it might have taken as little as four sessions. BloombergAlso, he viewed documents to confirm the negotiations. One VGC’sSources told The Times that the offer would have been around $15,000 and was significantly higher than what Bayonetta 2 received. 

Taylor requested a six figure payment as well as residuals. 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 said 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. The publication did not respond to requests from Nintendo or Platinum. Taylor shared similar sentiments. VGC in private messages, according to the publication’s story. 

Bayonetta 3, available on Switch from October 28. 

[Source: Bloomberg, Video Games Chronicle]