Baldur's Gate 3's Neil Newbon Wants Astarion Return, Has Live-Action Hopes

Neil Newbon is one of the most popular video game actors working in the industry today, having starred in Detroit: Become Human, two Resident Evil games, Baldur’s Gate 3, and much more. He’s even currently in the midst of helping launch a brand new video game IP, adapted from a popular TTRPG.

Having previously spoken with Neil in 2024, GAMINGbible had the chance to catch up with him once more at the recent MCM Birmingham Comic Con and it’s there that we spoke about his latest role as a voice director on Starfinder: Afterlight, a new sci-fi CRPG. The game launched a Kickstarter campaign in October 2025.

While the base game was already funded, the Kickstarter sought to garner funding for additional features and soon smashed its targeted goal of £65,000, raising over £700,000.

“The game was already funded. This extra funding is about extending its quality of life and adding more features to the game,” Neil says. “So it was never about funding the project. Everyone involved is so thrilled and excited about the prospect of what this game can become.

“This game was always going to be made, but now it's going to have more bells and whistles. It means that we can do things like have a full voice cast and bring in new artists to help build the game further. We’ll hire real actors and artists. Not AI. We can add more character classes and so much more. It’s a bit scary, in a way, because the expectations have increased and probably tripled the workflow, but it’s really exciting to get it ready for early access.”

Starfinder: Afterlight is due to launch on PC in early access in 2026, if you want to keep an eye out for more.

Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Neil Is a Man of Many Talents

Neil’s contribution to the entertainment industry extends far beyond his work as an actor, having also worked in production and directing.

“I once tried to put on a play in Edinburgh, but then we found out that someone more famous was doing it and we had to cancel it,” he laughed.

“That was the first time I tried directing. Yet, I enjoyed it so much because I love working with actors and a story. I’ve been very lucky that people have taken a chance on me because of the knowledge I had acquired and the fact that I’ve been acting for a long time. I knew what I was doing. First and foremost, I’m an actor, but I can do this alongside acting. I love directing, offering support, expressing freedom in performance and championing other actors.”

Neil Would Love to Return as Astarion

Having played a variety of different video game characters, there’s arguably one in Neil’s back catalogue that stands out more than most, the high elven rogue and vampire Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3.

“Astarion was one of those roles that I got to live for four and a half years. He’s never really left me, and I’d love to keep playing him,” Neil says. “Most of my characters I play once and then the story ends, and I can give a fond farewell. But for some reason, Astarion is still lingering. I get such a kick out of playing him, and I hope to see more.”

Larian Studios has already stated that it will not develop Baldur's Gate 4, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll never see Astarion again.

“I would [play Astarion] if they asked me, but it’s not up to me. I’d be up for playing him again. I’d love to see him in live-action. That would be amazing,” Neil added.

“We did some really fun animations with the YouTube channel Mashed and Larian Studios, and that was a hoot. To be honest with you, man, I'll play Astarion in any way. I just want to do something more with him.”

Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3

Despite being one of the most beloved video game characters in recent years, you don't get to know the real Astarion from the get-go in Baldur’s Gate 3. At first, he comes across simply as a horny vampire. Sure, he is that, but there’s much more to Astarion than just getting his groove on, and that unfolds the further you delve into the Baldur’s Gate 3 experience.

“There is beauty in the writing of Stephen Rooney and the rest of the team. They allowed him to be multi-layered, and they set up the trope of him being this hedonistic vampire character. But when you dig deeper, you see all his complexities. For an actor, that’s great, because that’s what you want with real three dimensions and doing the unexpected,” Neil said.

“Astarion has been life-changing. He allowed me to use everything I’ve ever done in acting as a craft. He brought me so much joy, and I made some lifelong friends through him. He’s provided one of the most extraordinary experiences, and I’m very grateful for the character.”

Reflecting on what has been a busy year, Neil spoke of what has brought him the most joy in life.

“Being a dad has been one of the most life-changing experiences and has made me a better person,” he responded. “Secondary to that, working as an actor, and providing resources and a platform to help champion other actors.

“Also, being part of Pixel Pack. That’s something we do yearly to showcase actors and games, to help people understand that the work we do is comparable to film, TV, and theatre. All these things really fulfil me, especially helping people and getting to meet fans at conventions, hearing their stories and connecting with them. It’s amazing.”