The Bayonetta 3 saga goes on as a report surfaces that the voice actor was actually offered more for the sequel than she claims
We recently reported on the news that Bayonetta Voice Actor Hellena Taylor has urged fans of the franchise to Boycott the new game. Her reasoning behind this was that she was only offered a pitiful $4000 flat rate for the upcoming game.
A series of Twitter videos then followed, in which she explained her situation and expressed her outrage at the low offer. She explained that she studied many years to hone her craft and this measly offer was “insulting”.
New details have now come to light regarding this story as a report from Bloomberg has surfaced. This story claims that Taylor received an offer of $3000 to $4000 for “at least” five voice recording sessions. This would have made her fee around $15,000 for Bayonetta 3.
According to Bloomberg, it has seen documentation confirming this. In addition, VGC has confirmed these specifics. VGC then stated that this would have represented a “significant increase” over Taylor’s remuneration for Bayonetta 2.
Taylor reportedly rejected these terms, asking for a six-figure sum and residuals. After “lengthy negotiations,” Platinum subsequently hired Jennifer Hale to take on the role of Bayonetta. Taylor subsequently declined a cameo offer for a fee of one session.
According to Taylor, any claim that she was offered more than $4,000 on Bayonetta 3 as a base rate is “categorically untrue,” an absolute lie”, and “a complete joke.”
Taylor went on to say:
“I’d quite like to put this in the [rearview] mirror and leave the whole bloody franchise behind. So I think I’ll just let my videos stand. I spoke the truth.”
Taylor’s replacement in Bayonetta 3 will be well-known Jennifer Hale who is perhaps best known for portraying Commander Shepard in Mass Effect.
Hale herself has responded to Taylor’s claims stating:
“Anyone who knows me, or has followed my career, will know that I have great respect for my peers and that I am an advocate for all members of the community.”
Throughout the gaming industry, voice actors shared their support for Taylor. Opening a broader discussion about pay for actors. The SAG/AFTRA union minimum is $1,000 per session with no residuals, as noted by reporter Stephen Totilo.
Bayonetta 3 launches on the 28th of October as a Nintendo Switch exclusive.