Neil Newbon, the actor renowned for his role as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed a strong desire to reprise his role as the popular vampire character. In a recent BAFTA interview, Newbon spoke enthusiastically about his career aspirations and the characters he hopes to explore further.
He highlighted his interest in working with prominent studios such as Sony Santa Monica, known for the God of War reboot, Insomniac Games, creators of Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Naughty Dog, the studio behind The Last of Us. He also mentioned his passion for Bethesda’s Fallout series, indicating his eagerness to be involved in similar high-profile projects.
Despite his interest in new opportunities, Newbon remains closely connected to his role as Astarion. He admitted that the experience of portraying the character has been incredibly fulfilling, stating his enthusiasm for potentially playing Astarion again in any format, whether in a new game, live-action adaptation, or even an advertisement.
Newbon’s affection for the role is evident, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia and excitement at the thought of returning to it.
However, the future of Astarion and Baldur’s Gate 3 appears uncertain. Developer Larian Studios has indicated that they are not planning any expansions or sequels related to the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, which means a continuation of Astarion’s story might not come from the original creators.
This leaves the possibility of seeing Astarion again dependent on new partnerships or projects involving the character. Hasbro, the license holder for Baldur’s Gate, has stated that they are exploring options for a potential Baldur’s Gate 4, which could potentially introduce Astarion to new audiences.
Newbon’s attachment to Astarion is deeply personal, reflecting the significant effort and emotion he invested in the role. He revealed that his portrayal of Astarion was influenced by three real-life friends, who unknowingly contributed to shaping the character’s personality. This personal connection highlights the depth of Newbon’s involvement and his commitment to bringing authenticity to Astarion’s portrayal.
Neil Newbon’s enthusiasm for Astarion underscores his dedication to the character and his excitement for future opportunities. While the immediate future of Astarion remains unclear due to Larian Studios’ stance on the D&D license, Newbon’s desire to continue working with the character demonstrates his passion and commitment to his craft. The potential for Astarion’s return, whether through new projects or collaborations, keeps fans hopeful and engaged.
