Zenimax and Bethesda have just revealed who the voice actors behind the characters in Elder Scrolls Online will be. And, whether you’re hyped about the game, whether you liked its beta or not, the quality of the voice acting will most likely be top-notch. Let’s take a look who’s working to bring characters alive in the Elder Scrolls Online.
While probably not the most important character, I have to start with Golden Globe nominee Michael Gambon. Yes, it seems Dumbledore will be giving voice to The Prophet, a mysterious character that serves as an aide in recovering your stolen soul. Expect a deep voice full of wisdom, accompanied by an unmistakable British accent. High King Emeric, the charismatic Breton that leads the Daggerfall Covenant will be voiced by Golden Globe winner Bill Nighy. Yes, the Elder Scrolls Online will feature the voice of Mr. Nighy, whom you may recognize from movies such as the Total Recall reboot, Hot Fuzz or Underworld: Ryse of the Lycans (Viktor).
And while we’re on the Underworld topic, Bill Nighy’s co-star Kate Beckinsale will also be playing an important part in the Elder Scrolls Online, mainly of Emeric’s rival, Queen Ayrenn, the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion. And since Queen Ayrenn is a character that prefers battle over sitting idly on a throne, the casting fits perfectly. After all, Kate Beckinsale has a proven record of successfully pulling of bad-ass roles.
The character of Molag Bal – the main foe in the Elder Scrolls Online and a Daedric Prince – is being brought to life by none other than Malcom McDowell (A Clockwork Orange and Easy A). Other notable names are the Oscar-nominated actor and director John Cleese, who will play the role of a cheerful mad-men, Alfred Molina who is giving voice to Abnur Tharn, a wizard of some renown and Lynda Carter, who already has some Elder Scrolls experience prior to the Elder Scrolls Online. Lynda Carter will be reprising her role as the Deadric Princess Azura, the same role she played in Oblivion and Skyrim.
Queen Ayrenn, given voice by Kate Beckinsale
And the list goes one, with important names like Peter Stormare, Jim Ward, Kevin Michael Richardson and even Bioware veteran voice actress Jennifare Hale. Mrs. Hale is well-known for voicing memorable Bioware characters such as the female Shepard in Mass Effect, Bastila Shan and Satele Shan in KOTOR and SWTOR, as well as playing key roles in other well known games (Leah in Diablo 3 or Rosalind in Bioshock Infinite).
With this cast revealed, I have no doubts that at least the voice acting side of the Elder Scrolls Online will be top-notch. All of these actors and actresses are amazing at what they do, and most of them have previously worked together (Kate Beckinsale and Bill Nighy worked together in the Underworld series and in the new Total Recall for instance), which is an added plus. If Zenimax is also bringing back the same quality of music that the Elder Scrolls franchise has gotten us used to (which it seems they are, considering that the well-known Elder Scrolls theme can be heard in the latest Elder Scrolls Online gameplay footage), I’m certain that the Elder Scrolls Online will be a delight for our ears.