New evidence has emerged that Bayonetta voice actor Hellena Taylor was offered at least $15,000 to reprise her role in the forthcoming sequel, contrary to her claims that she was only offered $4,000 to play the lead.
A new report by Bloomberg, which has since been corroborated by VGC, cites documentation as well as two people familiar with the negotiations who say that Platinum attempted to hire Taylor for five sessions lasting four hours apiece, each of which would have between $3,000 and $4,000. According to VGC, this would have been a “significant increase” on Taylor’s fee from the second game.
To be clear, I have not heard anything from Platinum Games, its executives, or its PR people, and I suspect that, as is usually the case, the company’s management would not be thrilled that people involved have talked to me, no matter how the story makes them look https://t.co/YbZysnlIoa
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) October 18, 2022
According to the report, Taylor rejected these terms, asking for a six-figure sum and residuals instead. After “lengthy negotiations,” Platinum subsequently hired Jennifer Hale to take on the role of Bayonetta. Taylor reportedly declined a subsequent offer of a cameo for the fee of one session.
Taylor called the report an “absolute lie” in statements to both Bloomberg and VGC, claiming that Platinum was “trying to save their ass and the game.” She also said she stands by everything in the video.
“I would like to put this whole bloody franchise behind me quite frankly get on with my life in the theatre,” she wrote.
Bayonetta 3 exploded into view over the weekend, when Taylor tweeted multiple videos claiming that she only offered $4000 to return for the sequel while urging fans to boycott the game. Director Hideki Kamiya tweeted that it was “sad and deplorable about the attitude of untruth,” while Hale replied that she supports “every actor’s right to be paid well,” but that she was “not at liberty” to speak on the situation.
Voice actors across the industry shared their support for Taylor, opening a broader discussion about pay for actors in gaming. As noted by reporter Stephen Totilo, the SAG/AFTRA union minimum is $1,000 per session with no residuals.
Nintendo has been contacted for comment, and this story will be updated with any additional statements.
About Bayonetta 3: pic.twitter.com/e4VrclEQIm
— Jennifer Hale (@jhaletweets) October 17, 2022
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.