'We Have Not Modified It' — The Witcher 4 Director Responds to Speculation CD Projekt Changed Ciri's Face

Following the release of a behind-the-scenes look at *The Witcher 4’s* cinematic reveal trailer, CD Projekt Red addressed fan concerns regarding Ciri’s appearance. Two brief clips, at the 2:11 and 5:47 marks, showed close-ups of Ciri’s face, prompting some viewers to comment on perceived differences from her appearance in the main trailer. These comments ranged from observations about a slightly older look to more critical assessments.

These observations fueled existing discussions about Ciri’s appearance in the reveal trailer. However, *The Witcher 4* game director Sebastian Kalemba clarified on social media that Ciri’s in-game model hadn’t been altered. He explained that the clips showed “raw footage” – a work-in-progress snapshot taken before the addition of cinematic lighting, animation, and camera effects. He emphasized that variations in a character's appearance are normal during development, and the final in-game model may differ depending on the context (trailer, 3D model, in-game).

*The Witcher 4*, the first in a new trilogy, features Ciri as the protagonist, a decision that was not taken lightly. Executive producer Małgorzata Mitręga, in an exclusive interview with IGN, explained that Ciri was a natural and logical choice, given her importance in the books and the conclusion of Geralt’s story in *The Witcher 3*. The younger age of Ciri also allows for greater exploration of her character and player agency in shaping her journey.

While acknowledging potential backlash regarding Ciri’s role, both Mitręga and Kalemba emphasized the intentional and well-considered nature of this choice. They highlighted Ciri's compelling story and the numerous opportunities for narrative exploration. Geralt's voice actor, Doug Cockle, also expressed his excitement about this shift in the series, emphasizing the potential for compelling storytelling.

Further exclusive content on *The Witcher 4*, including a trailer breakdown and an interview discussing the game's development strategy to avoid a repeat of *Cyberpunk 2077’s* launch issues, is available.