"Witcher 4 Director Clarifies: Ciri's Face Unchanged"

The director of The Witcher 4, Sebastian Kalemba, has clarified that a new behind-the-scenes video features the same in-game model of Ciri as seen in the cinematic reveal trailer. This statement comes after some fans speculated that Ciri's face looked different in two brief clips from the video, at the 2:11 and 5:47 marks, which showcased close-ups of her character model. The comments section buzzed with fans noting the slight differences in Ciri's facial features in these moments compared to the main trailer, with one fan describing the look at 5:47 as a "perfect representation of a slightly older Ciri."

Initial reactions on the internet suggested that CD Projekt might have altered Ciri's appearance due to some negative feedback labeling her as "ugly" in the reveal trailer. However, Kalemba took to social media to set the record straight, explaining that the behind-the-scenes footage was raw, without the cinematic enhancements like facial animation, lighting, and virtual camera effects used in the official trailer.

"The behind-the-scenes video features the same in-game model of Ciri as seen in the original trailer," Kalemba stated. "We have not modified it. What you’re seeing is raw footage — without facial animation, lighting, or virtual camera lenses. While it’s still in-engine, it represents a work-in-progress snapshot taken before we applied cinematic touches for the purpose of that video. This variation is a natural part of the game development process. At this point, any character's appearance may vary depending on the medium — whether it’s in a trailer, a 3D model, or in-game."

The Witcher 4 marks the beginning of a new trilogy set post-The Witcher 3, with Ciri taking the spotlight as the main character, rather than Geralt. In an exclusive interview with IGN, executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga highlighted that choosing Ciri was a "very organic, logical choice," emphasizing her complexity and significance in the original saga. Kalemba added that Ciri's younger age allows for more player freedom in shaping her character and gives developers more room to explore her narrative.

Despite potential backlash from some fans about Ciri's role as the protagonist, both Mitręga and Kalemba reaffirmed that Ciri was always intended to be the central figure. Kalemba emphasized that the decision was deliberate and rooted in discussions dating back nine years, pointing out Ciri's potential for storytelling and character development.

In a related interview with IGN about the upcoming animated film, The Witcher: Sirens of The Deep, Geralt's voice actor Doug Cockle expressed enthusiasm for the shift to Ciri, citing the exciting narrative possibilities and encouraging fans to explore the books for deeper context.

For more insights into The Witcher 4, check out our trailer breakdown and an exclusive interview with CD Projekt on how they plan to avoid a Cyberpunk 2077-style launch.