Summary
Even though theMass Effectgames set a high bar for the series with a star-studded cast of voice actors from across the entertainment industry, BioWare’s upcomingMass Effect 4should strive to uphold this standard when casting its characters. From the originalMass Effectto even itsMass Effect: Andromedaspin-off, the sci-fi RPG has featured the talents of veteran voice actors from television, film, gaming, and more. While some are likely to reprise their roles in the upcomingMass Effect 4, it’s just as likely that BioWare will continue to cast other high-profile actors for any new characters the game introduces.
Given that the potential canon ofMass Effect 4is still unclear, especially after BioWare decided to forego carrying over past player saves withDragon Age: The Veilguard, its returning cast members might only include a few notable examples. But withMass Effect 3’s ending potentially killing off several recurring characters, even including Commander Shepard as the series' protagonist, anotherfresh start might benefit bothMass Effect 4and BioWare. Ultimately, regardless of whether past fan-favorite figures come back or BioWare introduces an all-new roster of characters,Mass Effect 4should still feature a range of celebrated voice actors.
Exploring Mass Effect’s Star-Studded Cast of Characters
The VA Veterans Behind Mass Effect’s Shepard and Ryder
Between both gendered versions of Commander Shepard, most, if not all,Mass Effectfans will be familiar with Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale, who respectively voiced the character. While Meer has done his fair share of voice-over work in both gaming and animation with theDragon AgeandBaldur’s Gateseries, Hale has become acclaimed as one of the most prolific actors in gaming, with extensive roles inMortal Kombat,Overwatch,Metroid Prime,BioShock, and more. However, it seems possible that neither Meer nor Hale willreturn forMass Effect 4due toMass Effect 3’s endings, which can all, in some capacity, indicate that Shepard has met their fate.
But BioWare’s commitment to featuring prominent voice actors continues beyond theMass Effecttrilogy, asME: Andromedaincluded Scott and Sara Ryder as dual protagonists, played by Tom Taylorson and Fryda Wolff. Again, while Taylorson has had a prominent voice-over career with games likeGod of War,The Elder Scrolls, andLikeaDragon, Wolff has had a significantly active career in recent years, with roles in series likeApex Legends,Starfield,Final Fantasy,Fallout, and more. ThoughMass Effect 4might not be linked toME:Andromedaspin-off, BioWare’s casting of its leads could suggest its protagonists will be equally talented.
The VA Stars Behind Mass Effect’s Recurring Characters
Even though someMass Effectcharacters were introduced to the series in its second or third game, both the trilogy andME:Andromedaspin-off have featured a cast of notable and prominent voice actors from across the entertainment industry. Outlined below are just some ofMass Effect’s squadmates, villains, and more who were played by actors also known for their work in television, film, and gaming.
Yvonne Strahovski
The Handmaid’s Tale,Batman: Bad Blood
Between these and countless others, theMass Effectseries has always drawn on high-profile actors to portray its characters. This is something that could again influenceMass Effect 4’s casting decisions regarding its squadmates, antagonists, and more.
The Honorable Mentions For Mass Effect’s VA Cast
Despite some side characters only featuring in oneMass Effectgame, they have still been played by some well-known actors. Between the original trilogy and its spin-off, below are even more examples of BioWare casting prominent actors for its characters.
Robert Kazinsky
Warcraft, Star Trek: Section 31
Combined withMass Effect’s broader history of high-profile voice actors, it seems likely thatMass Effect 4will continue this trend despite BioWare’s futurebeing left unclear followingDA: The Veilguard. However, with only Liara rumored to return after a 2020 teaser trailer, it will remain to be seen howMass Effect 4’s characters and their actors will compare to the series' past games.
