Neil Newbon Discusses Astarion Development in BG3, His Favorite Games, and Insights on AI

Neil Newbon, recognized for his exemplary performance capture of Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, has seen his career flourish significantly due to this role in Larian Studios’ acclaimed RPG. The complexity of Astarion’s character, featuring multiple personality traits and memorable quotes, resonates deeply with players, making Newbon’s portrayal crucial to the character’s impact.

In addition to his work as Astarion, Newbon boasts an impressive array of roles in the gaming industry, including Heisenberg in Resident Evil Village, Nicholai in Resident Evil 3, and Elijah in Detroit: Become Human. He also showcases his versatile talent by playing a sentient fish named Fibonacci in Warframe, highlighting his ability to embrace both serious and quirky roles.

Recently, Newbon attended Brazil Game Show (BGS) 2024, where he engaged in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant. During this discussion, he shared insights about his career, the experience of embodying Astarion, his personal gaming preferences, and more.

Crafting Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3

Easy Character Connection

Screen Rant: It seems like Astarion might share some similarities with your own voice and mannerisms.

Neil Newbon: I believe so. Astarion exhibits a lot of fluidity that parallels my own style. While there are aspects of him that differ from me, I found portraying him to be a comfortable and intuitive process.

Screen Rant: Post-Baldur’s Gate 3, have you recognized an increase in people identifying you, particularly through your voice?

Neil Newbon: Not really. My natural accent is quite different from Astarion’s higher-inflected tone. My voice carries a bit of a London-American blend, making it less recognizable. Ironically, people often recognize me more for my appearance than my voice. I have gained visibility due to events like the Game Awards and various social media platforms.

Screen Rant: You’ve mentioned how colleagues and acting techniques influenced your portrayal of Astarion. Was there a notable evolution from your initial audition to the final character?

Neil Newbon: Indeed, my audition wasn’t initially for Astarion. I first auditioned for generic elf roles. The character began as fairly guarded, which lent itself to his development over time. As we progressed, Astarion’s voice and personality began to open up, resulting in a more settled character by the end of production. It was a unique journey, and by the conclusion, I felt I truly understood him.

AI’s Role in Gaming

Disinterest in AI for Art Creation

The Finals Season 2 key art character in front of a screenshot from the game.

Screen Rant: You’ve previously stated that AI lacks the ability to replicate genuine artistry. With the current push for AI in the industry, do you think we can avoid it entirely?

Neil Newbon: Absolutely, by simply choosing to prioritize human creativity over AI. I prefer authentic performances created by humans rather than algorithm-generated content. Although AI technology advances, it still lacks the spark of true creativity. It’s vital to maintain the storytelling aspect that only human artists can provide.

Moreover, employing AI could jeopardize many creative jobs, not just in acting but also in development. It may be a tempting shortcut, but I believe audiences will ultimately recoil from content that feels artificial and lacks human touch. Larian Studios exemplifies this commitment by employing a vast cast of talented actors for authentic performances.

The Impact of TTRPG as a Storytelling Medium

Importance of Active Participation in Storytelling

Screen Rant: Many voice actors and performance capture artists are gravitating toward TTRPG shows, which were once niche. Given your background in D&D, what has spurred this trend?

Neil Newbon: The culture surrounding gaming has evolved tremendously. What was once deemed “geeky”is now celebrated, aided by enhanced accessibility and sophisticated gaming innovations. This shift has ushered in a newfound appreciation for games as legitimate storytelling mediums. Many fans express emotional connections to characters like Astarion, illustrating how these narratives can foster community and support. This active engagement in storytelling promotes a meaningful connection that passive mediums cannot provide.

Advocacy for Fairness in the Gaming Industry and LGBTQIA+ Rights

Protecting Workers’ Rights Over Profits

Deliver Us Mars art of Kathy in a space suit on Mars with Neil Newbon in the center.

Screen Rant: Alongside your peers, such as Ben Starr, you’ve spoken out about the gaming industry’s current status. What’s your perspective, and are there viable solutions?

Neil Newbon: I believe the primary solution is to halt layoffs. It’s disheartening to see companies prioritizing profit margins over the livelihoods of skilled workers. Addressing layoffs means considering the financial stability of these individuals and their families. It’s essential for companies to support their creative teams—after all, investing in people leads to better overall performance and profitability. A sustainable approach would benefit everyone in the long run.

Screen Rant: You’ve also been an advocate for anti-discrimination. How do you feel your role as Astarion has amplified your voice in this regard?

Neil Newbon: I’m grateful that Astarion has given me a platform to advocate for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Supporting equality and respect is fundamental. We strive to create safe environments for individuals to express themselves without prejudice. Understanding or agreeing with someone’s identity isn’t necessary; respect for their existence is what matters most.

Method Acting Insights & Personal Gaming Favorites

Clarifying Method Acting Misconceptions

Karl Heisenberg looks at the player while wearing a hat and glasses in Resident Evil Village.

Screen Rant: You’ve discussed method acting extensively, highlighting some misconceptions. Can you elaborate?

Neil Newbon: Many people misunderstand method acting. It’s not about tormenting others for the sake of the role. Instead, it’s about deeply developing a character’s life and motivations independently. Daniel Day-Lewis, for example, immerses himself in learning skills relevant to his roles without inflicting discomfort on others. My training combines various techniques beyond just method acting, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability in performance. Those looking to explore method acting should approach it with respect and understanding.

Screen Rant: To wrap up, what are your top three games of all time?

Neil Newbon: I adore the entire Fallout series and the Elder Scrolls franchise, including Skyrim. Additionally, classic tactical RPGs like Rebelstar hold a special place in my heart.

Screen Rant: Lastly, what’s your favorite class to play in D&D?

Neil Newbon: That’s a personal question! *Laughter* I generally lean towards playing a Rogue, which aligns perfectly with my casting as Astarion.

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