Bloomberg has published an article regarding the Bayonetta 3 dispute between the previous voice actress for Bayonetta, Hellena Taylor, and developer Platinum Games. The news site says that they have spoken to two people familiar with the discussions around payments for voice acting in the upcoming Bayonetta 3, but the accounts wildly differ from Taylor’s version of events. They told the news site that Platinum Games wanted Taylor onboard for at least five voice acting sessions with the pricing set at around $3,000 to $4,000 for each session, which would make the total payment for the game at least $15,000. However, the sources say that Taylor asked for a six figure sum and residuals on the Bayonetta franchise, she was refused and Platinum Games then decided to audition for a different voice actress with Jennifer Hale getting the part.
“In the case of Bayonetta 3, the developer appeared to be determined to rehire Taylor, according to two people familiar with the negotiations as well as documentation reviewed by Bloomberg. Here’s where their accounts differ: Platinum Games sought to hire Taylor for at least five sessions, each paying $3,000 to $4,000 for four hours in the studio, said the people, who asked not to be identified because they aren’t authorized to discuss private contract negotiations. That would make the total for the game at least $15,000. In response, they said, Taylor asked for a six-figure sum as well as residuals on the game. Platinum declined and, following lengthy negotiations, took auditions for a new actor. Platinum later offered Taylor a cameo in the game for the fee of one session, which she turned down, the people said.”
In an email, Taylor described this account as “an absolute lie” and said Platinum was “trying to save their ass and the game.” She said she stood by everything she said 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. Representatives for Platinum Games and Nintendo didn’t respond to requests for comment. Hideki Kamiya, the executive director of Bayonetta 3, called Taylor’s allegations “sad and deplorable” in a Twitter post.”
