Actor John Eric Bentley, renowned for his portrayal of the machinegun-armed Barret Wallace in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, recently opened up about the character’s significance in the upcoming sequel and his reflections on the original depiction.
During an interview hosted on the Square Enix website, Bentley shared his initial encounter with Barret and the world of Gaia, reminiscing about his experience playing the original game. “I’m playing the game, and I’m like: ‘Oh, there’s a Black character!’ This is awesome – I’ve never seen a Black character in an RPG,” Bentley recalled. “And then I’m like: ‘Oh surely he’s about to die’ – and he didn’t! And I’m like: ‘Oh, I’m hooked!'”
Barret’s evolution since his early polygonal days has been profound, prompting Bentley to ensure his portrayal aligns with contemporary standards. “I wanted to make sure that when I portrayed Barret, he wasn’t a caricature,” Bentley emphasized, expressing his desire to present more than “an angry Black man who, like the polygon figures, shook when he got mad.”
Bentley expanded Barret’s character by exploring his relationships with other party members, particularly highlighting his dynamic with Marlene and the team, as well as his interactions with Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. He touched upon Barret’s paternal bond with Tifa, his role as a leader to Jessie and Wedge, and his newfound camaraderie with Red XIII, teasing it as an exciting addition to the sequel.
In anticipation of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Bentley hinted at a deeper exploration of Barret’s somber backstory. “A lot of questions will get answered,” Bentley teased, suggesting that the character undergoes significant emotional challenges in the game.
As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth approaches its release date on February 29, fans eagerly await to experience the anticipated sequel, which promises to deliver both intense moments and poignant narratives, reminiscent of the original’s impactful scenes.
