Jennifer Hale Reflects on Bayonetta 3 Turmoil & NDAs
Iconic voice actor Jennifer Hale has candidly discussed the tumultuous reception surrounding her casting in Bayonetta 3, revealing that she felt "thrown under the bus" during the controversy. Despite the challenging circumstances that saw her replace original voice actor Hellena Taylor, Hale expressed a strong desire to reprise the role, highlighting the enjoyment she found in portraying the titular witch once the initial storm subsided.
Speaking out recently, the veteran performer detailed the significant limitations imposed by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevented her from addressing the unfolding narrative directly, especially when "false" information was being circulated as fact.
"Thrown Under The Bus": Hale's Candid Confession
In a revealing interview, Jennifer Hale did not mince words about the aftermath of her Bayonetta 3 involvement. "I definitely got thrown under the bus by that whole thing," Hale stated, explaining that her silence was not by choice but due to being bound by "not one but two NDAs." This contractual obligation severely restricted her ability to defend herself or clarify the situation publicly during its peak.
Hale clarified that she would "never have taken a role otherwise" if she hadn't thoroughly vetted the circumstances prior to auditioning, trusting the director's guidance. She further added, "There were some things said [that were] presented as facts, but were false." Once she was permitted to issue a statement, Hale appreciated the opportunity to present what she describes as the "facts." Ultimately, she found the experience of playing Bayonetta "so much fun," noting the welcoming community once the "fiasco had passed."
The Bayonetta 3 Casting Controversy Revisited
The controversy ignited just before the release of Bayonetta 3 when PlatinumGames announced that Hellena Taylor, the voice of Bayonetta in the first two installments, would not be returning. PlatinumGames cited "various overlapping circumstances" making it "difficult" for Taylor to reprise her role, with Hale stepping in as a "good match."
The situation escalated in 2022 when Taylor released a series of videos on Twitter, alleging she was only offered a total of $4,000 to voice Bayonetta 3 and urged fans to boycott the game, advocating donations to charity instead. However, subsequent reports from Bloomberg and corroborated by VGC presented a different picture. These investigations suggested PlatinumGames had allegedly offered Taylor $15,000 for the role, spanning five four-hour sessions at a rate of $3,000-$4,000 per session. Taylor later released another statement, acknowledging the $15,000 offer but disputing other aspects of these reports. Amidst heightened scrutiny and online harassment, Hale herself issued a statement that, while vague due to NDA constraints, aimed to address the intense public reaction.
Beyond Bayonetta: A Return to Commander Shepard?
Despite the challenges, Hale’s willingness to return to the role of Bayonetta is clear. Her enthusiasm isn't limited to the Umbra Witch, however. The acclaimed voice behind Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series also expressed immense excitement at the prospect of returning to that iconic sci-fi universe. Hale enthusiastically declared she "would be there before they finish the sentence" if asked to participate in Mass Effect 5, highlighting her deep connection to the character and world, even if it meant a different role entirely. Her statements underscore a consistent passion for her craft and the worlds she helps bring to life.