Nowadays, it seems we're seeing more and more video game adaptations. We're talking big-budget TV series to blockbuster films. But while the stories and worlds make the leap to the screen, one thing is often left behind. That's the original performers who brought those characters to life. And that’s exactly what Baldur’s Gate 3 performance director and actor Aliona Baranova is calling out.
Speaking during a panel at FanX's Tampa Bay Comic Convention, moderated by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt, Baranova expressed her disappointment over how video game audiences are often ignored in screen adaptations. When studios adapt video games into shows or movies, they often recast major roles with big-name actors, ignoring the game actors who made those characters iconic.
“I feel like it’s a shame that the video game audience is being overlooked when it comes to screen projects. We see from you guys how dedicated you are… and I feel like that’s been neglected at the moment by filmmakers [and] studios.”
Baranova argues this is a missed opportunity because fans of the games are deeply passionate and would love to see the original actors included in the adaptations. During the panel, she even points out HBO’s The Last of Us as an example. The post-apocalyptic drama brought in Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker, who were the original voices of Ellie and Joel in the video games, for supporting roles. The result? Baranova shares that Johnson became the number one most-searched person on IMDb when the series premiered. By sharing this example, she is providing proof that audiences care deeply about the original performers and their inclusion in the adaptations.
“How well did it go down when actors from The Last of Us from the game were also in the TV show? Ashley Johnson was the number one most looked-up person on IMDb when the TV project came out.”
She then goes on to give an example of a beloved video game actor who was overlooked for a major role in a high-profile adaptation. Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in The Witcher games, was not cast in the Netflix live-action series. The role ended up going to Henry Cavill (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel). This further highlights Baranova's point that, despite the undeniable talent and fan loyalty surrounding original game actors, studios often favor well-known celebrities for lead roles.
Why? Well, Baranova thinks it has to do with the industry’s perception of video game actors as niche or lesser-known talent. She tells Lovitt during the panel that although many video game performers have professional training, the industry still tends to see them as a niche group who only do “video game stuff.”
"We are also theatre-trained. A lot of us are formally trained in the UK…and I think that’s something that maybe execs are a bit short-sighted about. They think, ‘They just know how to do a video game.' Studios are neglecting the video game audience who are so willing to support and so dedicated and passionate about… their favorite video game actors. And I think it’s a shame that that’s being overlooked. It’s being slept on.”
I personally agree with Baranova. It’s frustrating to see studios overlook the very actors who helped build the emotional core of these beloved characters. It’s time for the industry to recognize and embrace the talent that comes directly from the gaming world. Hopefully, this conversation sparks change and leads to more opportunities for these skilled performers to take center stage.
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