Bayonetta 3's character modeler has shared some details on how the Cheshire demon was made. Players come across a number of different fantastical creatures in PlatinumGames' action title. This includes the Infernal Demons featured in Bayonetta 3 that can be controlled by the game's protagonists.
One of those Infernal Demons is Cheshire. The character belongs to Bayonetta 3's second protagonist Viola, and is bound to her sword. Cheshire is also known as The Lost Outcast, and aids the witch-in-training whenever she is in battle. The demon has a more comical side when compared to those that are wielded by Bayonetta, which helps him stand out from the rest.
Bayonetta 3 character modeler Minoru Kasai shared a little bit about making Cheshire. According to Kasai, one of the most difficult aspects of getting the character right was having him walk on either two or four legs, being able to get his mouth to open incredibly wide, and getting the texture of his fur right. After the modeling was complete, Cheshire had to be constructed in a way that would let him move properly in-game. The character's skeleton had to be made in a way that would keep him from deforming or going off-model.
Since Cheshire takes up a large amount of the screen in Bayonetta 3, Kasai had to make sure that he was satisfying to play. This meant making the demon's processing was as optimal as possible. The team had to make sure that they did not compromise on the fun that is expected of an action game while also making him look like a stuffed toy. Kasai then delved into the three elements that he had to put together to make Cheshire's fur look just right. These aspects were the light reflecting off of the ends of his fur, the shadows at the roots, and everything in-between. In the end, Kasai admits that the character's model turned out a lot better than he expected.
Cheshire will continue to appear in the Bayonetta series. Last year, it was revealed that a young version of the series' titular witch will be able to summon the Infernal Demon in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Cheshire will have a different design in the prequel, likely due to the fact that it is Cereza summoning him instead of Viola. The character's look is rather unique, as Kasai was able to make him stand out from the rest of the action series' cast. It shall be seen where the character ends up as the Bayonetta franchise continues and in what capacity he will be utilized.
Bayonetta 3 is available now for the Nintendo Switch.