The Baldur's Gate video game series, known and praised for its rich storytelling and deep, immersive world, stands as a golden standard in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, these games offer an extraordinary blend of intense narrative, layered characters, and expansive world-building that has captivated gamers for decades. The series expertly uses the D&D ruleset, much to the excitement of us D&D nerds, creating a gameplay experience that feels both authentic to its tabletop roots and groundbreaking in its digital execution. The depth of the games' lores, combined with the dynamic character interactions and moral conundrums, makes the Baldur's Gate series not just mere games but journeys into a living, breathing world.
A live-action adaptation of Baldur's Gate, specifically Baldur's Gate 3 – the rightful 2023 Game of the Year award recipient – would be exciting and extremely successful if done correctly (e.g. if Netflix gave it the same kind of treatment it gave to its adaptation of One Piece). The visual splendor of the game's world, from the majestic city of Baldur's Gate itself to the ominous depths of the Underdark, would look stunning in a TV series. Then there’s the game’s diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, who provide so many narrative possibilities that it's actually hard to have the same gaming experience as another BG3 player. A live-action series or movie could dive deep into these characters, exploring their journeys and the relationships that form as your story progresses.
So... with rumors that Netflix is actually working on developing a Baldur's Gate 3 live-action show buzzing around the internet, let’s talk about who could play the characters we all love (or hate) so much. Seeing charactes like Gale, Shadowheart, and my game boyfriend Astarion in the flesh would be exciting if done correctly, and scratch the itch for more time spent with our favorite characters.
I have done some homework and I am here to present you (or Netflix, if you're reading this) with 10 excellent choices for 10 amazing characters. Let's take a looksie, shall we?
Next: Everyone’s favorite character (except apparently for me)
1. Shadowheart: Alice Pagani
The drop-dead gorgeous Alice Pagani already looks just like Shadowheart the cleric. Known for her magnetic performances in roles that demand a mix of vulnerability and strength, Pagani would be an excellent choice for this role.
Shadowheart is a complex, pretty-annoying-at-times character. She’s shrouded in mystery and shadowed by a troubled past, traits that require an actor capable of conveying deep emotional undertones. Pagani, with her proven ability to portray characters that are emotionally layered and enigmatic, as seen in her performance in Baby, would bring a lot of depth to Shadowheart.
In Baby, Pagani's portrayal of a character dealing with internal conflicts and a secretive life mirrors the challenges she would face in embodying Shadowheart. Her skill in expressing unspoken pain and resilience would resonate well with Shadowheart's backstory, where strength and vulnerability coexist.
Pagani's on-screen presence has a captivating intensity that can effectively translate into Shadowheart's guarded, and sometimes sharp, demeanor. Shadowheart is not just a character with emotional depth but also one with a strong will and determination, which is necessary to survive in the dangerous world of Baldur's Gate. Pagani's performances often showcase her ability to balance toughness with emotional sensitivity, a balance crucial for Shadowheart, who is a cleric with a... complex alignment and motivations, to put it mildly. This duality in Pagani's acting approach would allow her to authentically portray Shadowheart's journey, from her initial mistrust and defensiveness to gradually unveiling her more vulnerable side as the story progresses.
TL;DR: Alice Pagani's distinct and powerful acting style would bring a rich and compelling dimension to Shadowheart, making her an ideal fit for the role.
Next: I tried romancing him first, but it didn’t work out.
2. Gale Dekarios of Waterdeep: Michiel Huisman
Michiel Huisman, the extremely hot guy who replaced the original actor for Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones, could be an excellent choice for the role of Gale. Huisman's portrayal of characters in fantasy dramas like Game of Thrones and The Haunting of Hill House demonstrates his ability to bring texture to roles that require a blend of charisma and emotional depth. As Gale, a knowledgeable wizard burdened with a dangerous and powerful secret, Huisman could use his experience playing characters who are charming yet haunted by their past. His performances often convey a sense of intelligence and introspection, qualities essential for Gale, who is not just a spellcaster but also a thinker and philosopher. And cute.
Huisman's characters often have a subtle intensity and a persuasive charm, things that perfectly fit Gale. In Game of Thrones, his Daario Naharis was both a formidable warrior and a charismatic lover, balancing physical, uhh, skills, with a sharp wit. This balance is crucial for Gale, who must be believable as both a formidable wizard and a compelling companion to the other characters.
TL;DR: Huisman's experience in portraying layered characters in high-stakes, fantastical settings would allow him to give a rich and memorable portrayal of Gale.
Next: Hello, beautiful.
3. Astarion: Neil Newbon
Neil Newbon's potential portrayal of my vampire boyfriend Astarion in a live-action adaptation of Baldur's Gate 3 would be fan-freaking-tastic. Newbon did voice Astarion in BG3 and gave him the mannerisms we fangirls (and fanboys) love so much. And I’m not the only one who thinks Newbon should reprise the character in a live-action show; fans have also noted that he’d be perfect. This kind of actor-character connection is invaluable.
Known for his charisma and versatility, Newbon possesses the necessary range to channel Astarion's multifaceted persona. His past performances in various video games have showcased an ability to blend charm with a hint of danger, a combination that is essential for portraying Astarion, a character who is not only cynical, sassy, and witty but also bears the haunting weight of being turned into a vampire.
Newbon's experience in voice acting and motion capture, particularly in video games, equips him with a unique understanding of how to bring virtual characters to life. This experience would be instrumental in translating Astarion from a video game into a live-action setting. His portrayal could bring out Astarion's struggle with his vampiric nature and the underlying vulnerability that makes him relatable. All these factors combined make Neil Newbon an excellent choice for the role of Astarion, promising a portrayal that would resonate with both fans of the game and newcomers to the Baldur's Gate world.
Next: And this is my girlfriend.
4. Karlach Cliffgate: Frankie Adams
The beautiful Frankie Adams, with her track record in the action and science fiction genres, seems tailor-made for the role of Karlach. Her portrayal of Martian marine Bobbie Draper in The Expanse showcases her ability to embody characters with intense physicality and a deep sense of duty. That’s perfect for Karlach, a fierce fighter and lovely lovely lovely lady who is deeply entangled in her own struggles and allegiances. Adams's physical appearance and her ability to handle action sequences would give authenticity to Karlach's combat scenes, while her proven skill in conveying messy emotions would bring depth to Karlach's internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Adams' onscreen presence is characterized by a compelling blend of strength and vulnerability. That fits Karlach, who is not just a warrior but also a character with a rich backstory and emotional layers. Adams’ role in One Thousand Ropes, where she skillfully portrays a young, troubled woman dealing with personal demons, demonstrates her capacity to bite into emotionally charged material. This aspect of Adams' acting would be crucial in exploring Karlach's personal journey, which is full of challenges and character growth.
TL;DR: The intensity and integrity Adams brings to her roles would greatly contribute to a layered and impactful portrayal of Karlach, making her an ideal choice for this dynamic character.
Next: He shows us that defiance is sometimes OK
5. Wyll Ravengard: John Boyega
Throughout his career, John Boyega has displayed a dynamic range that makes him a perfect fit for Wyll, a heroic character driven by deeply personal motives. In his breakout role as Finn in the Star Wars franchise, Boyega played Finn, a stormtrooper turned resistance fighter. Playing that arc highlights his capability to embody characters who undergo significant personal growth and who question the morality of the lives they’re living. This experience would be invaluable in portraying Wyll's journey from a vengeance-seeking warlock to a complex hero-like figure.
When he’s onscreen, Boyega has a lot of charm and presence. He’ll need both to play Wyll, a character known for his charismatic and somewhat flamboyant personality. Movies like Pacific Rim: Uprising show off Boyega’s natural likability, which is essential for capturing Wyll's lighthearted and engaging side. Also, his characters often exhibit a strong sense of moral conviction, which lines up with Wyll's role as someone who inspires and leads others even as he deals with his own demons (quite literally). Boyega could effectively explore the layers of Wyll's character, from his public persona as a beloved hero to the private struggles that drive him.
TL;DR: John Boyega’s experience and charisma makes him an ideal candidate to bring the character of Wyll to life.
Next: She’s entirely too angry for me, who is also always angry.
6. Lae'zel: Dichen Lachman
Dichen Lachman, with her impressive track record in sci-fi and action roles, stands out as an ideal choice to bring the Githyanki warrior Lae'zel to life. Lae'zel is defined by her unwavering strength, combat skills, and a strict adherence to the warrior code of her people. Lachman's performances, notably in series like Altered Carbon (my goodness, how I adored the first season of that show) and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have consistently shown off her ability to portray characters who exude strength and determination. As Reileen in Altered Carbon, she got to employ her skill in hand-to-hand combat and her aptitude for playing characters who are both physically intimidating and emotionally complex. These traits are essential for Lae'zel, who is not just a formidable fighter but also a character dealing with the rigid traditions of her culture and her interactions with other races.
Lae'zel isn’t just a mere warrior; she’s a character torn between her ingrained cultural beliefs and the realities she faces outside her community. Lachman has a proven ability to portray such internal conflicts with subtlety and depth, as seen in her portrayal of Sierra on Dollhouse. In this role, she had to to embody many different personalities, indicating her versatility as an actor. This versatility will be crucial in portraying Lae'zel's journey, which is full of conflict, growth, and a gradual understanding of the world beyond her own.
TL;DR: Lachman's experience in handling roles that demand both physical intensity and emotional depth makes her an exemplary candidate to capture the essence of Lae'zel's character: a warrior with a story as compelling as her skills in battle.
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7. Halsin: Rory McCann
Hear me out.
Rory McCann's casting as Halsin could be a stroke of genius, given his proven track record in embodying characters with a strong connection to nature and a physically imposing demeanor. McCann's portrayal of Sandor ”'The Hound” Clegane in Game of Thrones is a testament to his ability to blend physicality with depth of character. He played a rugged, battle-hardened warrior whose exterior toughness hid a secret, inner world. This character profile aligns closely with that of Halsin, a druid who is not only physically commanding but also deeply attuned to the natural world and its mystical elements. McCann could bring so much authenticity to Halsin.
McCann's towering presence and rough demeanor would be an epic fit for Halsin. Druids in the Baldur's Gate universe are guardians of nature, often stepping into the fray with both magical abilities and physical skills. McCann's experience in roles that demand physicality and presence, such as in Hot Fuzz or Clash of the Titans, would be invaluable in portraying Halsin's combat scenes. Equally important is his ability to convey a character's inner life, as seen in his incredible performance on Game of Thrones, where he skillfully balanced brutality with vulnerability.
TL;DR: McCann's combination of physicality and depth would make him an excellent choice to play Halsin.
Next: An Undead with a dry sense of humor is the best Undead.
8. Withers: Stephen Boxer
Stephen Boxer's seasoned career in both theater and movies gives him the experience needed to play Withers, a character who demands an actor capable of conveying authority, dry humor, and depth. Boxer's performances often showcase his ability to embody characters with a strong, commanding presence, making him a natural fit for a role like Withers, whom he actually voiced in BG3.
Stephen Boxer has played roles that require engaging with moral ambiguity, like performing in William Shakespeare’s Richard III on stage. That aligns perfectly with Withers. For instance, he’s played characters in classical theater, where he had to navigate intricate stories, backstories, and complex character arcs. This demonstrates his ability to handle roles that are intellectually demanding and emotionally rich. This experience is particularly relevant for Withers, who is not just intimidating and sometimes wryly amusing, but also a character with a rich backstory and possessed of a deep, thoughtful nature.
TL;DR: Boxer's talent for delivering performances that are both powerful and layered would bring a compelling depth to Withers.
9. Raphael: Josh Holloway
Josh Holloway's ability to portray characters with a mix of charm and mystery makes him a compelling choice for the role of Raphael. Known for his standout role in Lost, where he skillfully balanced the character Sawyer's roguish charm with hidden depths and vulnerability, Holloway demonstrated a knack for playing characters who are not quite what they initially seem to be. This trait is essential for Raphael, a character who must embody and shower those around him with charisma while hiding his true intentions. Holloway's performance in Lost showcased his ability to deliver witty dialogue and hold an audience spellbound, two qualities that are crucial for bringing Raphael to life.
Holloway's experience in the action and drama genres, as seen in his roles in series like Colony, equips him with the versatility needed for the layered character of Raphael. In Colony, he displayed a remarkable range, portraying a character who often had to make tough decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong. This experience is particularly relevant for Raphael, who navigates a world of moral ambiguity in Baldur's Gate.
TL;DR: Holloway's ability to infuse his characters with a sense of authenticity and depth, ensuring they resonate with the audience even in a fantastical setting, would be invaluable in portraying a character as layered and intriguing as Raphael.
10. Mizora: Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Romijn's history of embodying powerful and dynamic characters in fantasy and action projects makes her an ideal candidate for the role of Mizora. Her performances, particularly in the X-Men movies and the Star Trek franchise, put on display her ability to bring complex, layered, and complicated characters to life. Romijn's perfect portrayal of Mystique (sorry, Jennifer Lawrence, Romjin will always be my Mystique), a character known for her strength, agility, and moral flexibility, is a winning audition for Mizora. Like a lot of the roles on this list, Mizora needs someone who can embody physical prowess as well as emotional depth, and Romijn has both covered..
Romijn always brings a commanding yet subtle intensity to the screen, something that wouldn't just be beneficial to channeling Mizora's strong-willed and independent nature, but necessary. Also, Romijn's experience in ensemble casts demonstrates her ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team. That’s needed for Baldur's Gate, where you always travel in a party.
TL;DR: Romjin's talents would be invaluable for playing Mizora. Romijn has the presence to stand out and the experience to make sure she still blends into the ensemble.
And there's one more important character we need to discuss:
But what about Tav?
Tav, the main character of Baldur's Gate 3, is basically a placeholder for you, the player. When you start your adventure, the first part of it is figuring out what kind of character you want to play, from looks to class. After you spend the initial hour in character customization, you are ready to start on your quest and show off the beautiful creature you've come up with.
For instance, this is my BG3 character. Her name is Ariadne and she's my Tiefling Barbarian on the Path of the Beserker.
Whether you agree with my choices or not, the idea of a live-action series based on Baldur’s Gate 3 is a tantalizing notion. The actors on this list have a unique blend of skill, charisma, and experience tailor-made to the game’s fascinating characters to vibrant life.
As we wait for confirmation on the rumor of a Netflix show, humor me: who would you cast as these characters, or as others I did not include?
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