In 2022, Jennifer Hale was confirmed as the new voice of Bayonetta in Bayonetta 3, following the departure of the character's original voice actress, Hellena Taylor. The recasting of Taylor and the subsequent controversy dogged Hale during the production of that game, and it's an experience she didn't enjoy despite her love for the character.
During an interview with GAMINGbible, Hale indicated that she would "love to play Bayonetta again," but she wasn't happy about the situation she found herself in.
"I definitely got thrown under the bus by that whole thing, and I was unable to speak on my own behalf because I was under not one but two NDAs," recalled Hale. "Eventually, I was allowed to make a statement, which I appreciated, and I was able to present the facts.
PlatinumGames made the call to replace Taylor, who responded by telling fans to boycott Bayonetta 3. Taylor also contended that she had only been offered $4,000 to reprise the role she originated. At the time, Hale noted that she was under an NDA and unable to properly respond. In a subsequent statement, Taylor acknowledged that she was offered $15,000 to record her role over multiple recording sessions, but she asked for $250,000 and was turned down. Taylor added that the $4,000 offer for a single session came in after her $15,000 offer.
"There were some things said [that were] presented as facts, but were false," Hale told GAMINGbible. "I would have never taken a role otherwise. Before I accepted the audition, I checked everything thoroughly, and I trust the director. Thankfully, playing Bayonetta was so much fun, and the community was so welcoming to me, especially after the fiasco had passed and the facts came out. But it was not fun getting thrown under the bus like I had, but I was happy to come out on the other side."
During the same interview, Hale noted that she has no idea what's happening with the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Hale voiced Bastila Shan in the first two games. Hale also starred in the Mass Effect trilogy as FemShep, the female incarnation of Commander Sheppard depending on player choices. She is currently voicing Jean Grey in X-Men '97 on Disney+. That series was recently renewed for Season 3, and X-Men '97 Season 2 will premiere in Summer 2026.
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During an interview with GAMINGbible, Hale indicated that she would "love to play Bayonetta again," but she wasn't happy about the situation she found herself in.
"I definitely got thrown under the bus by that whole thing, and I was unable to speak on my own behalf because I was under not one but two NDAs," recalled Hale. "Eventually, I was allowed to make a statement, which I appreciated, and I was able to present the facts.
PlatinumGames made the call to replace Taylor, who responded by telling fans to boycott Bayonetta 3. Taylor also contended that she had only been offered $4,000 to reprise the role she originated. At the time, Hale noted that she was under an NDA and unable to properly respond. In a subsequent statement, Taylor acknowledged that she was offered $15,000 to record her role over multiple recording sessions, but she asked for $250,000 and was turned down. Taylor added that the $4,000 offer for a single session came in after her $15,000 offer.
"There were some things said [that were] presented as facts, but were false," Hale told GAMINGbible. "I would have never taken a role otherwise. Before I accepted the audition, I checked everything thoroughly, and I trust the director. Thankfully, playing Bayonetta was so much fun, and the community was so welcoming to me, especially after the fiasco had passed and the facts came out. But it was not fun getting thrown under the bus like I had, but I was happy to come out on the other side."
During the same interview, Hale noted that she has no idea what's happening with the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Hale voiced Bastila Shan in the first two games. Hale also starred in the Mass Effect trilogy as FemShep, the female incarnation of Commander Sheppard depending on player choices. She is currently voicing Jean Grey in X-Men '97 on Disney+. That series was recently renewed for Season 3, and X-Men '97 Season 2 will premiere in Summer 2026.
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