Update: Platinum Games 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 made claims that the studio did not address, but instead, it endorsed Jennifer Hale as Taylor’s replacement and voice actor for Bayonetta. 

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. 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 BloombergStory further supported 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 had sources that knew about these events, and they were determined to hire Taylor as Bayonetta’s voice actor. With plans to have at least five voice recordings, the studio offered Taylor $3000 to $4000 each session. Each recording 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 substantially higher than the Bayonetta 2 offer. 

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 magazine did not return requests to comment on behalf of either Platinum or Nintendo. Taylor also shared the same sentiments. VGC in private messages, according to the publication’s story. 

Bayonetta 3 arrives on Switch October 28. 

[Source: Bloomberg, Video Games Chronicle]