Curse of Cazador - An Interview with Neil Newbon

[@CerridwenVids]

When Neil mentioned accidentally channeling Astarion to his friend half-asleep, it reminded me of a story of Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig etc). Mel Blanc was in a coma from a car accident and was unresponsive for about two weeks. The neurologist decided to try something new and went up to Mel's bed and asked, "Bugs Bunny, how are you doing today?” The whole room held its breath, but suddenly Bug's Bunny's voice responded with, "“Myeeeeh. What’s up doc?”

[@Purpletoastacon]

Neil is so painfully humble, sweet, talented and generous. The whole BG3 cast is full of feel goodness you rarely see in a cast nowadays. Thank you for interviewing him! Such a delight! ❤

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for watching!

[@Akira_of_the_Fae]

Because hes not corrupted by hollywood 😂

[@nunpho]

The cast of this game really give off great vibes, I love their enthusiasm

[@Lovely2291]

I love that Cats was the thing that got him into acting, it seems like a full circle moment knowing that Astarion is partly cat inspired because of Red the stray cat.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Very fitting!

[@niamacalintal8595]

Can I just say, it never fails to amaze me how much he actually knows outside of acting and directing. He just went to talking about acting methodology, to Dungeons and Dragons, and without even realizing it himself, to quantum entanglement, and to epistemology. What a national treasure he is.

[@sarahbonney4058]

This was a brilliant interview. You let him talk, treated him with respect and got so many interesting stories from him. It was great. Thank you, you have a new subscriber

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks, Sarah! I appreciate that. It's easy to treat folks with respect, or at least it should be.

[@syrenasketches6902]

"I was also a bit of a troublemaker. I was the youngest... and I'm Generation X, so we were raised kind of feral." Love this quote from Neil! X was absolutely 'raised feral'. 😂

[@AndreaLaRock]

Same, that quote and his talking about growing up had me grinning ear to ear, as I was very similar (book worm, nerd, feral). Neil’s the kind of person I feel I could talk to for hours about so many things. What a relatable warm funny authentic human he is. ❤

[@amief6111]

As a gen x person, can confirm we were raised feral lol.

[@nunpho]

I think we were the last generation to grow up without the internet right? That changes things a lot I think. I was also either up a tree, doing arty crafty stuff or trying to read every book in the library 😆

[@AndreaLaRock]

@@nunpho yup, I didn’t have the internet until I was about 19, 20 years old already. It made a huge difference in how we grew up, we had to make our own entertainment 😂🤌💕

[@morphinpink]

Neil is a brilliant actor🩷 Astarion has so much heart, I don't think any of us will be ready to give him up any time soon, but I'm also excited to see whatever Neil takes on next. Thanks for sharing this interview!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening!

[@CyberZombie]

Probably the best interview with Neil Newbon that I've watched. Well done.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@GabyT]

i'm extremely grateful that neil exists

[@Ace-du7vw]

Great interview. I love Neil's excitement and energy with all of his projects. I appreciate that you let him just talk and waited until he found his own stopping point before asking another. When an interview feels more like a conversation I think it makes everyone a little more comfortable.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@nunpho]

Yessss!

[@umichips]

Just wanted to say what an amazing interview this was! Neil is always a joy to watch ❤ what an amazing actor, so humble and clearly passionate about everything he does.

[@Filianyntix]

I watched a lot of interviews with him and this one is my favorite so far. I liked your approach and questions. Neil is an inspiring human being. One of the very few actors that can actually create characters. You don't hear his voice in them, you just hear the characters themselves. I don't know if it's makes sense. I loved his work in Detroit and RE Village as well.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@erinhansen1857]

I was not prepared for this man to be not just the charming, humble, talented, and beautiful actor who embodied the traumatized vampire now living in my head rent-free BUT ALSO to be a whip-smart bookworm (inspired to act by Rum Rum Tugger?!) who talks casually about quantum entanglement and name-checks LeGuin…I may never be normal about him again.

[@Jennough122]

I am so completely not normal about him. 😂

[@erinhansen1857]

@@Jennough122I continue to be less normal about him every day tbh 💀

[@ElaraDreamstar]

Reading Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire as a child? Damn, I've been out-nerded. Gods, Neil is just such a cool human!

[@cail8811]

neil in any interview ever about baldur's gate 3: did you know we had 248 actors working on this game? I love him so much, so happy he got this chance and hope only the best for him in the future. He is so humble and nice and genuinely can not go one answer without talking about someone else he respects and worked with. Its so lovely to hear but also reminds me as a content consumer just how many people work on these things and gives me a new appreciation for what I'm enjoying.

[@katiatall]

Last lines as Astarion are gold ❤😂😂

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

I thought that would be a fitting ending!

[@melissaamato1139]

My gods, Neil N. literally blew me away, with his heart an sincerity to the dedication he has taken and the love for life, and his strength of his own Character, he refuses still to acknowledge as the dangers he actually would under go, to create, as a complete Method Actor, not simple Character acting. As a Character Actor, you visit area, and times lent to environmental envisioning of any Character that you are given. Support roles, but Method Actor is completely extremely emotionally emerced within themselves, and equally Camouflaged within that Character losing ones self to become the Character. Like sadly Heath Ledger, with his last incredible transformation as the psychotic, and traumatized Joker. Astarion being a truama suffering trixter, Vampire Spawn. And under goes such emotional back flips to make it to his heart rendering conclusion. Expressive and animated as Neil is, my heart goes out to him, he has worked so hard, just to hopefully and finally get to enjoy whatever he missed out on before this colorful, and broken but well imbalanced and balanced creation. And because the Character is more lush and freakishly charming fantastic well versed, and thought out, to come to life beyond game play, for so many kindred spirits. Lovable, rapscallion Rogue, elfin Vamp Spawn. Lil Starry is anything but little. He is a truly beautiful Character turned warm hearted fun loving, punished soul. Vampires are usually cold sadistic Cazadores, but Starry is a Vampire Spawn just fortunate enough to be a misunderstood phenomenal pretender, who gets another chance to be Conveniently lost, for so he tells himself, but tragedy of the past seems to find him. After freedom is so close he can finally feel again, though so broken the Character has no understanding of what it is to be liked, and through his adapted pantomime he jests through his disturbing reveal that he has no idea what he has a reason or right to have, with someone. He makes it clear for us to understand his motivation for lashing out, finally allowed to remove the emotionally stagnation and metaphorical muzzle, after the abuses he's been forced into deafening silence. When others are Dominant over him, he caves and recites attractive reparté he can't be real enough to participate, for a true experience that would soothe ones need of interest or intimacy. A primision and test just how limiting Astarion is possibly out of all the Companion's dark back stories. From a ruthless ambitious selfish Inward and out ward wounds that never abate. Astarion is testiment that even through all of that, and his dissociative responses, when he allows and becomes an unwilling participate, In relations, enabled to say a simple No... We must guide him, to think better then his Arrogant tormentor did of him. Because of the battles within him, as one who is suffering countless defeatest bouts of Victimisation. and upsetting degree's of self doubt, his own beration and numb inability to feel leads to eventual analysation of true Id. Lil stars are meant to shine in a intergalactic sea. And fore soothe should Lil Starry heal, ñ tyme As wounded soul, becomes so much more then he was told He could ever be. ✨🌚✨🧝🏻‍♀️✨❤️‍🩹🗡️🗡️ 👩🏻‍🚀🐶✨🌜❤️‍🩹 For The Lil Starryeyed one. ✨🧝🏻‍♀️✨Who are you¿?✨🌜✨ Thank you Neil N. Humble ñ warm heart lovely Human being. Blessings ⁴ Evr sent❤️‍🩹 And Thank you so much @Monstersmoviesandmagic✨🌜💯

[@ShinPG]

It’s so interesting how much of an advocate of performance capture Neil is.

[@JuJu_MeMe]

great interview 👏 Neil is an inspiring person and I love the insights and stories he gives on the industry. His work as Astarion has touched the hearts of so many people, he did an incredible job!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for listening!

[@heartz4lix]

I absolutely adore Neil, so sweet and especially humble. He brings me and so many others a lot of comfort, I admire him and his work immensely. Thanks for sharing this interview.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for watching!

[@lilaquabby994]

Neil talking about method acting was so interesting I’m definitely going to research more into that great interview!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@dylanherron3963]

Hey mate, I don't mean this as a backhanded compliment, but you do inspire me to... stop making excuses and create. The man himself, Neil Newbon, taking whole slots of his time to speak to people that may not have 50k subs... And this isn't even the first example of it. You even recently upload a WHOLE hour with Samantha Béart (Karlach) just days ago. You have a VERY good interview cadence and let the guests speak. I'm not the first to say this isn't the first interview I've seen with Mr. Newbon, but it is my favorite. Well done, mate. The cast of Baldur's Gate just drip with passion in everything they do. Being ignorant to "performance" and acting/writing (especially as an industry) I wouldn't know what questions to ask that would get him to explain in the detail he did, the dynamics of acting, and how the different "jobs" work in the space. It is a joy to hear him speak about all his life experiences that got him where he is today: Beloved by millions.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

I appreciate that, man. I dont think about the numbers too much and just chat with folks I am a fan of and leave it at that. Im content with that. Maybe one day we'll have 50-100k, haha.

[@dylanherron3963]

@@MonstersMadnessandMagic Of course, mate, and THESE KIND OF THINGS NATURALLY SEEM TO HAPPEN to people that feel that way or strive towards a goal like that. A friend of mine with a little over 1k got a whole hour and a half interview with Duncan Trussel, of all people. Seems that genuine people gravitate towards other genuine people.

[@Lryuzaki98]

Neil is hugely inspiring. He's the biggest push I've had to pursue bigger things. Got my mic and first sound mixer because of this dude. Gonna give the voice acting a try. He's awesome.

[@ChasingTheEchoesOG]

Such a humble & sweet guy. A lot of wise words in this interview to ponder. And awesome stories about his career, struggles and how he eventually landed onto his feet. And ofc a stellar performance as Astarion ❤. All the best in the world to him!

[@sc1ntillae]

Thank you for such an interesting interview! Loved the casual tone and questions; Neil's insight about the world and his career has always been fascinating.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

And thank you for watching!

[@DarienHT26]

I’m starting to find the strength within to pursue acting. This interview was amazing and Neil has definitely inspired everyone!!!🎉🎉❤

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Great to hear! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RenNightshade]

this interview was amazing, it helps you understand who he is and also how he works with everything. It's well done and I applaud you all

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!

[@RenNightshade]

@@MonstersMadnessandMagic Keep it up, you did amazing and I am happy you let the ones you interview be themselves ☺

[@mirelancholic]

This interview was truly delightful to listen to. Personally, I am WORLDS apart from the acting field, so despite my career having nothing in common with Neil's, his words still sparked something within me. I rarely comment on KZbin videos, but this marks the second interview with him that has compelled me to express my admiration. Even though our life paths are vastly different, his strong passion and commitment have surprisingly managed to "move" something within me, too, and served as a push for my own journey. Hearing about the challenges he went through in his past acting experiences was extremely moving, to say the least, especially in retrospective. From having to sleep on friends' couches to achieving worldwide recognition for his outstanding work - it's truly inspiring. It's like a huge boost of adrenaline. Thank you, Neil, for inspiring others through your determination and humbleness. You're a great inspiration not only to actors but to "normal" folks like me, too. And special thanks to the interviewer for allowing such enlightening talk - very much appreciated.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the interview and I appreciate the kind words.

[@mirelancholic]

@MonstersMadnessandMagic absolutely props to you! You asked interesting questions and made it feel like a relaxed conversation flowing naturally!

[@vernarobertson1497]

Brian Bleesed is my 1970's. Jackanoy, King of the hawkmen. Now when I hear his voice, automatic spin round and smile. Baby me reaction still activated

[@missk8tie]

I loved this interview - how you went over the technical aspects and method of his performance. Edit: I remembered where I heard of Stanislavski and it was in a vampire movie! *Shadow of the Vampire* (2000) was based on the premise that *Nosferatu* (1922) was secretly filmed using a real vampire, and the director hid it from the other cast members by telling them that he (the vampire) was a method actor. I also saw a review/analysis of it on sfdebris KZbin channel that interpreted the movie itself as a commentary on method acting. *Shadow of the Vampire* is a bit weird but in a really good way.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Willem Dafoe was great in Shadow of the Vampire.

[@oceanicGrimalkin]

Thank you for the wonderful interview. You made the conversation flow naturally without cutting off or interrupting your guest while Neil gives his full answers and not having to rely on stock questions a lot of other interviewers have asked already, all while being amicable and respectful as well.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words.

[@royal_wolf7485]

Neil is so awesome, great interview!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@donnakeane890]

Niel is charming sweet funny adorable kind and very talented and hardworking.and Astarion is a fantastic character and they couldn't have chose anyone better to do his voice.i wish hom the best for the future and in all he does and he is happy healthy and safe and living his life to the full if he does more work can't wait to hear about it take care Niel and his fans be kind caring and selfless and strong.❤😊

[@franziplatypus]

This interview shows perfectly that you could probably ask him what his favourite colour is, and he would take 10 minutes to answer that question in an interesting way. 😌 Really nice interview, thank you for sharing!

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

Great interview. The intervewer really takes time to listen and it feels a lot like a casual conversation, which I like a lot. Also, Neil has a twin?? My mind is bugging picturing two of him out there

[@danielledasilva9264]

They're Non-identical I believe :)

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

@@danielledasilva9264 still, I was not aware that he had a brother. They must be a chaotic duo from what he said

[@Mellie]

Thanks for the interview! I love hearing Neil's perspective on acting and his different roles. I didn't know Neil had a relationship with Roy Dotrice who was an incredible actor as well. He was brilliant doing the audiobook recordings for The Song of Ice and Fire series, my favorite book series.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for watching, much appreciated!

[@thomabow8949]

Man you are one of the most relaxed interviewers I've ever watched - great job!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@JackieSt]

what an interview! Thank you so so much, this is probably my fav interview of him, he felt so comfortable, the questions were great and you let him ramble and only guided him slightly. absolutely brilliant job, thank you!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@zeppelina]

Thanks for the interesting interview! I continue to be amazed at how kind and humble Neil is. There is so much evil in the world and he is one of the few who can make me smile. If we were in a dnd world he would probably be a paladin.

[@MoonsongReverb]

I hope Larian will soon fix the bugs that came with patch 4 and were not fixed with Hotfix 10. So the great work of Neil and the other actors is honored properly and we can experience all scenes as they should be ;)

[@claireelyse5992]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve seen. Great work!

[@doraveronika]

Neil is one of the coolest people ever

[@Gidgit_x]

Thank you for your great interview! Neil is such a gem of a human being and deserves all the love and support for his hard work and dedication to doing his best always. He recently said he's working on a new character he is super excited about on Twitch, but I'm sure we will all have to wait with bated breath for a while.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for watching!

[@amief6111]

This is a great interview. Thank you so much. Love that you just set him up and then actually let him talk. ❤

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@lotriks5613]

you are the only person for whose success I am truly happy🖤

[@PARAHS1TE]

god im so in love w that man FOOOXK

[@LimizukiStudios]

I didnt think i could adore this man any more than i already do, and then he pulls out the CATS inspiration 😭 he is a treasure and we dont deserve him

[@beerivers3247]

This was such a fascinating interview! It was so well done with incredibly thoughtful questions and answers. The hour flew by me!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@SallyLePage]

You did such a good job with this interview and as a result it was super interesting to be able to listen in on your conversation

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@kateboldern]

Thank you for this wonderful heartwarming conversation. I like your approach so much more in comparison to others interviews. When you have as a guest such a wonderful talented human being as Neil all you need is to give him some space to tell his story. Not to cut off with cliche questions and time limits. This interview gives me a vibe of friend's conversation and because of that it so naturally reveals so many details and nuances and gives much deeper insight into Neil's perception of life and work. He's such a passionate person that it's inspiring just to see him so emotional and sincere about his craft and his characters and people he met along the way. For me the greatest gift of the interviews such as this is the opportunity to feel one's light through all the distance that divide us. And just that makes my life a little more bearable and that's already something. Thank you.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for the kind words, Kate. I appreciate you watching!

[@bloopagaloota3961]

This was a really good interview!! There were a lot of things he talked about that i am really glad he elaborated on such as his early experience in the field! Thank you!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening!

[@Candlekeepdeep]

This interview was so insightful and genuinely helped me reach a breakthrough in my own creative practice. Thank you so much for posting!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening! Glad it helped you.

[@nunpho]

Hes a very interesting guy, i always like listening to him. He has that favourite teacher kinda energy. That ending was hilarious too 😆

[@Gray1995.]

I loved the interview, you asked really good questions thank you! Neil is so amazing, he is kind and self-aware, driven and passionate human being it is really impressing to see that.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@vamikos]

That last bit! Neil is so much fun. Great interview!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you!

[@usagiharukatsukino4951]

I could listen to him talk all day ♡ even when i fall asleep. Lol.

[@YueAki]

Now I want to know Neil siblings, they must have such amazing stories about him

[@ThatMissQuin]

This was such a wonderful listen. Thank you both.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening!

[@pagetvido1850]

Love the information about how actors are adapting to the data computers can collect. It must be challenging to adapt your emotional range and expression to different software and hardware.

[@BakemonoGozaimas]

so precious and interesting interview ✨ thank you very much 🤝

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for watching!

[@katiatall]

Thank you for this interview!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thank you for listening!

[@feloniousbutterfly]

Neil is insanely cool. I didn't know such a great actor could be SO COOL.

[@SK-vj4qy]

Fantastic interview congratulations.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate you listening

[@AndreaLaRock]

This was such a great interview, I feel like I really got to know more about Neil and your questions were perfect for setting him off on topics. Truly had me smiling.

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Thanks for listening, Andrea! I appreciate it.

[@badkittykatt130]

Absolutely love him!

[@carolxs]

I suspect Neil Newbon would be an interesting Joker. I need to look for some performance from him in American accent

[@freshbunny1400]

Oooh, that could work!

[@petitmeowmeow]

Heisenberg and Kamski!

[@katiatall]

He is amazing! ❤❤❤

[@EMay-ct7vx]

Aww. Roy. Rest in Peace.

[@allisoncampbell1631]

Glad I am not the only Dictionary reader..but that was at school instead of doing what I was supposed to

[@mariiv2412]

What a way to end the interview hahaha. Great questions!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Hahaha, I thought it was fitting

[@CaliGirl_nj]

Discovery of Heaven is on KZbin

[@DarTunwarm]

So where was the questions about cazador?

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

Only had one hour and lets just say Neil got on a roll. I had a whole host of questions remaining, haha.

[@DarTunwarm]

@@MonstersMadnessandMagic that’s a real shame as a lot of what he said has already been said in other interviews. He has yet to talk about his take on the Astarion Cazador relationship and when this was titled ‘curse of Cazador’ I thought, yesssss finally!! I hope you’ll invite him back for the rest of your questions.

[@tinyfreckle]

He has a TWIN?!

[@MonstersMadnessandMagic]

🤣

[@birdsrneat]

Wow his story is incredible! Makes me feel better about being 21 and not knowing yet what to do or what I want to do. He was 30 when he almost quit acting! I didn't think I'd look up to him as much as I do now, I appreciate him very much. 🥹

[@Tismeabbie]

I can safely say no one at 21 has anything figured out, but just go at your own pace, life isn’t a race nor is there a prize to be won.

[@ErinS-mm3pw]

He has a TWIN?!