Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3actor Neil Newbon has revealed that he would “love” to reprise his iconic role of Astarion in future projects. Newbon received critical acclaim for his turn as the vampire Astarion inBaldur’s Gate 3, and he has opened the door to a return at some point in the future.
Astarion is arguablyBaldur’s Gate 3’s most complex character. Brought to life byNeil Newbon’s award-winningBaldur’s Gate 3performance, players are able to help him leave his past behind, for better or worse. They can lead him down a better path, or help him become a Vampire Ascendant, giving him a corrupting level of power that arguably still makes him a more useful ally to have. Players can even romance him, which unlocks even more layers of complexity to Astarion. There’s a reason Newbon’s performance is so well-regarded - it takes an extremely talented actor to portray every nuance found in Astarion’s character, whether good or bad.
In an interview with BAFTA, Neil Newbon spoke on the possibility of returning as Astarion in the future. On the chance to come back once more, Newbon said, “I’d love to play Astarion again, somehow… Live-action or game, I don’t care. Advert for grape juice, I don’t know, whatever.” From this answer, it’s clear that Newbon enjoyed his work on the game, considering how willing he is to return to the character in any capacity. He isn’t the only one who shares this sentiment - a few months back,Baldur’s Gate 3actors Tracy Wiles and Samantha Béart confirmed they’re open to returningto the series in the future, even without Larian’s involvement.
Neil Newbon Confirms Baldur’s Gate Astarion Reprisal Desire
As well as a return toBaldur’s Gate, Neil Newbon also confirmed in the interview a few other studios he would love to work with at some point in his career. Specifically, he mentionedGod of War’s Sony Santa Monica,Marvel’s Spider-Man’s Insomniac Games, andThe Last of Usdeveloper Naughty Dog, also claiming, “Bethesda stuff - I loveFallout, man. I’d love to do that.” Even prior to hisBaldur’s Gate 3success, the list ofcharacters voiced by Neil Newbonfeatures a few recognizable faces from other titles. Given his stock has skyrocketed so high of late, he certainly could be in line to work alongside one of his desired studios.
I’d love to play Astarion again, somehow… Live-action or game, I don’t care. Advert for grape juice, I don’t know, whatever.
If Newbon is to eventually return toBaldur’s Gate 3, he will almost certainly be doing so without Larian Studios. Earlier this year, it was confirmed thatLarian is moving on from theBaldur’s Gateseries. While the studio continues to release new patches for the game, it won’t be involved in any potential sequel. Hopefully, any studio chosen to replace Larian on theBaldur’s Gateseries is able to do Astarion justice, if it chooses to bring the character back alongside Neil Newbon.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
