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Potential Baldur’s Gate 4 Faces Actor Recasting Speculation
The prospect of a Baldur’s Gate 4 video game is already generating apprehension for any studio tasked with its development. Following Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed and expansive role-playing game, Baldur’s Gate 3, the pressure to deliver a worthy successor is immense. Adding to this challenge, the studio undertaking this endeavor might also have to navigate concerns from a key actor from the previous installment.
Neil Newbon Jokes About Astarion Recasting
Neil Newbon, renowned for his portrayal of the charismatic vampire Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, addressed the possibility of his character being recast in a hypothetical Baldur’s Gate 4. During the recent video game BAFTAs, when questioned by TheGamer about the potential recasting, Newbon jokingly stated he would “have to be dead” for that to occur. He further quipped about pursuing and “gutting like a fish” any developer who dared to replace him in the role.
Actor Expresses Hope for Character Integrity
While Newbon’s initial remarks were clearly facetious, he proceeded to offer a more earnest perspective. He explained that his primary concern in a recasting scenario would be that the new actor authentically captures the essence of Astarion. “I have no control over that,” Newbon acknowledged, “so, ultimately, if somebody played him in something else, I’d just hope that they’d come at it the same way I did, in terms of looking at the core character and their life story and their history and their backstory, and honor that story as much as possible, and not run to a trope.”
Uncertainty Surrounds Baldur’s Gate 4 Development
The development of Baldur’s Gate 4 remains uncertain. Larian Studios had at one point considered the project, even reaching a partially playable stage. However, the studio ultimately opted to concentrate on developing its own original titles, including a project currently codenamed Excalibur. Despite Larian’s current direction, Hasbro, the license holder for Baldur’s Gate, has indicated strong interest in expanding the franchise. In March, Hasbro’s Dan Ayoub revealed that there are “a lot of people very interested in Baldur’s Gate” and hinted at upcoming announcements “in pretty short order.”
Newbon’s Future with Astarion in Question
If Baldur’s Gate 4 is currently in development in some capacity, Newbon indicated he is presently unaware of it. “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he stated. However, he conveyed a sincere desire to reprise his role as Astarion, adding, “I hope I get to play him again.”