New reports deepen Bayonetta 3 pay dispute

A new report disputes initial info on the deal

Over the weekend, voice actor Hellena Taylor claimed she received an “insulting” offer to reprise her role and called on fans to boycott Bayonetta 3. Today, some new reports dispute some of these details, adding more wrinkles to the story.

In Taylor’s initial claim, the voice actor says PlatinumGames offered her a flat $4,000 fee for returning to voice Bayonetta in the third game. At the time, PlatinumGames’ HIdeki Kamiya tweeted a vague post, saying “sad and deplorable about the attitude of untruth.”

The situation has seen an uptick in discussion over compensation for voice actors, as many have shared their desire for more fair compensation. Jennifer Hale, who voices Bayonetta in Bayonetta 3, released a statement saying she is under NDA and unable to discuss the situation.

Disputes over the voice of Bayonetta

Today, Bloomberg reports on the dispute, but with new details. According to Bloomberg’s sources, who are reportedly two people familiar with the negotiations and documents seen by the outlet, PlatinumGames offer was for five sessions. These would have paid $3,000 to $4,000 for four hours in the session, totaling at least $15,000.

In response, Bloomberg reports, Taylor asked for a six-figure sum and residuals. Platinum reportedly declined and held auditions for a new voice actor following lengthy negotiations. Platinum also reportedly came back to offer Taylor a cameo in the game for the fee of one session, which she reportedly turned down.

VGC corroborates Bloomberg’s report through its own sources, though its sources say the number of Taylor’s sessions could have been as few as four.

In response to Bloomberg, Taylor calls the account of the situation an “absolute lie” and said Platinum is trying to “save their ass and the game.”

“I would like to put this whole bloody franchise behind me quite frankly get on with my life in the theatre,” Taylor told Bloomberg. Representatives for Nintendo and PlatinumGames did not respond to requests for comment on Bloomberg’s report.