Neil Newbon On Playing Astarion, Baldur's Gate 3 & A Career In Acting | EGX 2023

We sat down to interview Neil Newbon at EGX, recently known for the performance of Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3.
#baldursgate3 #astarion #interview #egx #dungeonsanddragons
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[@100deadinside9]

Neil is such a gem. He’s incredibly talented, kind, selfless, humble, respectful, caring, and all around just a beautiful human. He thinks we love him as his characters, but there’s no doubt that there are people who love him as ‘Neil’ too ❤

[@resonatinglo]

The British Keanu Reeves maybe 🔥

[@PanEtRosa]

@@resonatinglo yes, absolutely. that kept going through my mind while I was listening to this.

[@losmosquitos1108]

Wow, what a praise! How long do you know this guy then?

[@kieranstime]

Oh absolutely!! We love you Neil!!

[@Shiveria]

you may have not written him Neil, but you brought him to life for so many of us who have gone through abuse.

[@ohteddyboyo]

I hope he reads this comment. ♥

[@Madamegato]

It's part of why I find it so hard when you see people talking about "evil" Astarion and "bad" choices... after growing up in the abuse I did, if I were to put myself back there and be given the opportunity to punish those who hurt me - I'd have done it in a heartbeat, consequences to my soul be damned. It's not ideal, of course, but hells bells - I'd have absolutely done to them what they did to me back then. It's taken a lot of therapy for me to finally be on the other side and feel compassion, but I don't see any of the choices for Astarion as black or white - which is what makes his story compelling and beautiful. (Not to mention entirely relatable in far, far too many ways.)

[@Shiveria]

@@Madamegato i agree, theres also ppl who think the ascended version of him is heartless and no longer cares, but having done both, theres been moments where he as ascended still shows his love and care for Tav. I feel the scene where he said he would just use ur love 3 nights after ending it with him is a defense mechanism for him.

[@d.s.3237]

reminds me of when astarion said something like :" you brought my dead beating heart back to life".

[@llmtxll3654]

@@ShiveriaI do not think that Ascended Astarion loves Tav anymore - at least not like how he used to be when he was just a spawn. If Baldurs Gate follows DND 5e, ascended vampires do not feel stuff like that. Their emotions turn into something more twisted and sinister once they ascend. There's a reason why A! Astarion is a dick lmao. Rather than having a loving relationship with Tav, it's very much just about ownership, possession, and power. To him, you're just a concubine and one of his playthings. Astarion cares? Yes to a degree - in the sense that he cares about his cherished item (Tav) rather than an equal loving partner. When you meet Araj (the drow that wants your blood for her potion experiment), spawn Astarion cares for your wellbeing and admits that he does not want to see you hurt. If you do this interaction with A! Astarion, he asserts that you're his property and says that you belong to him and is more bothered by how Araj wants what is his. He also threatens to turn you into a spawn for real for real and control you if you want to break up with him.

[@Astronomica574]

He should win best performance for the Game Awards. His work as Astarion was absolutely brilliant.

[@cassiebarber4669]

I 100000000% agree

[@7terabytememe599]

he did :)

[@ashleycook300]

HE DID!! 😭🥰💕

[@xanaminx]

And so he did lol

[@Astronomica574]

Hello I'm Nostradamus (Always knew it, Neil is amazing. Well done king ! )

[@Incoherent-excitement]

10:02 Neil really has acquired Astarion's giggle. 😂 aw, it's so lovely to hear how passionate he is about his craft and how much work he put into bringing Astarion to life.

[@Naomeme]

I love that and I love that his own giggle is SO distinct, so when he really goes into a fit it comes right back out

[@Incoherent-excitement]

@@Naomeme yeah it's very Neil. I remember after playing BG3 Early Access I began playing Detroit Become Human. I knew he was in it as Kamski, but not that he was also playing Gavin Reed, until I heard a distinctive laugh 😂. When he loses it on streams, especially with Blue, it's so much fun.

[@luckyanya9354]

I was just saying that I think beyond he's a method actor he has what I've heard called "carry over" where you kind of gain some of their traits/quirks. I don't act professionally myself but I have friends that do.

[@CrescentDolluwu]

Neil has been streaming/uploading his play through of the game and it's been a delight. Every time you hear, "Neil. What are you doing?" something funny happens.

[@almasy87-sayuri]

It's when he's not speaking that Tom starts to become suspicious! Silent Neil = plotting Neil

[@JackieSt]

Neil "oh, I have an idea" Newbon, the reason Tom has aged 20 years the past few weeks haha

[@almasy87-sayuri]

@@JackieSt and the "Oh, no...." tone his voice takes when Neil says that 🤣

[@xanaminx]

Or "I have an idea" 🤭🤭

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

I am 6 months late to the gameplay with Neil and Tom. Neil’s character is lucky Tom’s character is trying to be good!☺️

[@cinder4181]

One of few times a story writer has genuinely understood the subject of abuse and to an extent trafficking as well as how abused people can tend to fall into the patterns of their past without even meaning to... how trauma and ptsd can look and how survival becomes the number one for most of the time.

[@nunpho]

Yessss!!!

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

Well said @cinder4181

[@BreezyNZ20]

I could listen to Neil talk about his work, Astarion and Baldur's Gate 3 ALL DAY! The way he describes it all sounds so lovely and he is such a sweet and understanding person and I love him for that!

[@franziplatypus]

I love how he always mentions the other people that put work into Astarion and overall BG3. His professionalism and humbleness is really refreshing to be honest. But I hope he one day realises that we also love him for who he is and not just the character Astarion. 💚

[@rosefamilia3169]

Such a man of class ❤❤ his Astarion embodiment will stay with me forever, his story resonates a lot with me personally as someone who endures humiliation and abuse from chuldhood.

[@eenix0]

Same! Genuinely wasn't expecting it, but my Durge x Astarion romance playthrough has literally turned into me learning how to love myself hahaha. I didn't even recognize my own sexual, relational, and even platonic friendship patterns until I saw them written and acted out in BG3 through Astarions arc and choices. Such incredible writing and acting.

[@rosefamilia3169]

@@eenix0 All characters are very well written but somehow Astarion's whole arc feels wholesome. Surprising because at first he seems to be only an eye candy or a gag run. I romanced him with a male Durge too and I agree with you!

[@ComedyLoverGirl]

Neil is a talented actor and deserves the praise for the work he has done. I like how candid he is, not just here but also in other interviews, he talks about financial struggles and burnout which are common in many creative fields, and manages to do it without ever sounding negative or blamey. Seems he has a lot of compassion for other creatives too and works to help people in the same profession. Good on him! A real class act and role model for young actors.

[@heroizumi]

Such a great guy. I'm so glad Larian chose him to portray Astarion. He's too perfect for him. The writers did such an amazing job creating this character and then Neil polished him even further to fully create the character we know and love (or hate lmao). Neil is such a genuine person and it's incredible to see all the work he's done with both his acting as well as his charity work.

[@harrybroaddus846]

Yes, Mr. Newbon did an EXCELLENT job with Astarion. All the voice actors did. Loving his own playthrough of BG3.

[@sabriel_]

watching his streams has been so lovely lately, he is just the loveliest person with the cutest and most bubbly personality, and it still boggles my mind how he can just switch Astarion on in a split second, and how his whole demeanor changes cuz he's not just doing the voice he's doing the body language too and you can *see* Astarion just sort of pop up. Really incredible to watch

[@xanaminx]

The switch is mmediate, too 😂

[@yuuya2111]

Aside from his talent, I quite admire his obvious passion for sleevelessness 😂

[@lightempresss]

It because he had a new tattoo recently

[@ravenglebsky9404]

@@lightempressshonestly, even before that, he was not a fan of sleeves 😂

[@catika505]

I'm definitely not complaining

[@nunpho]

I started watching him on the decharts stream years ago after they were all in Detroit become human. He's always been allergic to sleeves.

[@snowprincessa5723]

@@lightempresss Do his tattoos mean something?

[@Thorgrimn]

The entire game and every voice actor is a gift.

[@coolguy2179]

Actors! Not voice acting! Its motion capture!😊

[@Hyperlophus]

I really appreciate Neil's professionalism when interviewing. He managed to really eloquently overview his role in the game, highlight all the other team members who contributed to BG3 and Astarion, and how Astarion has resonated with fans in a really short interview. A very talented and humble human being.

[@blue_rosa_art]

I adore the way Astarion has been written and acted, when I found out that during his romance you can say to him "we can have a relationship without intimacy" and he jokingly says how long he can push that, as a person who is asexual, I ended up crying, cause that's the line I wish I could of had someone tell me, I'm only in Act 2 so I don't know what Astarion has instore for me in Act 3 (although I predict it involves a lot of trauma cause Cazador will be involved), but I felt really seen, by how the writers wrote romancing Astarion (the non-ascended version) thus far, and am kind of happy that a character who for some part of the game does not want sexual intimacy is being loved so much by the community. Gives me hope that maybe people like myself who are on the Asexual spectrum and don't care much for sexual intimacy can be accepted more openingly one day, instead of "what is wrong with you, everyone is horny!". That being said, when I first saw Astarion I thought he was ugly, but jokes on me I better put the clown makeup on cause WOW did my opinion change quick once I started the game xD

[@amberh709]

I was the same way 😂 when I first saw edits of Astarion on tiktok I was NOT impressed, but then as I saw more and delved into his story, I really fell in love. Especially because I can really relate to him in so many ways

[@abbeyBominable123]

He managed to be sleeveless even while wearing sleeves lol

[@shimomiaizo]

Sleeves, or Neil Newbon, you can only have one :DDD

[@Thyme0365]

Honestly his answers are so in depth and detailed, I could just listen to him ramble about anything. He's so knowledgable and real

[@kewpified]

Mr. Newbon deserves an award. He did such an amazing job acting out and bringing Astarion to life. Such a fan

[@tiffanytarchini1739]

Neil is such a nice person, I didn't know about him until baldur's gate 3 and I'm so happy I decided to play the game and I've been hooked with astarion. He my favourite character and feels like a real person. It's also nice to know Neil is a dnd fan too ❤

[@helloitsjordan]

Neil seems like such a wonderful human, his passion for life is really moving.

[@lightempresss]

I will not stop saying what a gem Neil is. And funny thing is it is very easy to separate him from Astarion, they are really different, I would say mentally Neil is Astarion 10-15 years after the events of BG3: matured, healed, humbled and loved❤

[@ComedyLoverGirl]

...unless you let him ascend.

[@ygnit5793]

That's the sweetest thing I've read, and honestly? I think you may be right. There is just... Something about Neil that just resonates with Astarion personally.

[@annie-rk4ry]

humbled? astarion could never

[@katiatall]

It's very sad to hear that their work is not appreciated financially and that the actors are having problems, it's totally unfair

[@ipohertroyanov464]

13:50 For context

[@DarienHT26]

He’s an amazing humble human. Good things are coming your way Neil and you deserve the praise. Astarion is a beautifully written character and will stay with me for life. ❤️

[@sofaking1627]

The way he lit up while talking about his character, Bowie 🤣

[@nunpho]

I just noticed his lil dagger earring, love it. I've been watching watching him streaming for the past couple of years. Hes lovely and his bg3 playthrough with tom is absolutely chaotic 😂. Astarion is suuuch a well written character, he and karlach are my faves

[@amefuyuu4983]

I’m not kidding when I say this is the first time I’ve seen him wear sleeves 😭

[@Luxaen]

Said it before and I'll say it again, This man could recite the dumbest thing on the planet and I would still hang on his lips. He has such a presence and carries everything he does with the utmost respect and care. He's an absolute gem and you've got to love how passionate he is in everything he does! I really hope we can find him in another DnD like game again. Can't wait to see what project he does next.

[@cuddlelover]

From a magnetic engineer in a resident evil game to a sassy sarcastic precious Vampire rouge, his talent is amazing.

[@xanaminx]

I have fallen so hard and so fast for this man 🤭🤭 Hes adorable, kind, generous. 2x award winner, well deserved ❤ All the best to him

[@ashleycook300]

He's a queer supportive roleplayer!!😭HE'S SUCH A GEM! I adore him 🥰💕I am also a survivor of violence and and to hear him talk about it is beautiful. 🥺Thank you for seeing us!

[@NephilimLdS]

I'm not a native English speaker, and I fail to express how much I admire this lovely, humble, funny and incredibly talented man ❤

[@ZZmeyka]

Neil has a unique voice. And he is a talented actor

[@BetMooch]

I noticed he’s still wearing the bracelet he got from his daughter. I love it!

[@MakennaStone-qw6vb]

I never played dnd but after playing this game I've made it a mission to find a dnd group to join and play with

[@agirlnamedmichael1670]

While Neil is correct in that Astarion is great because of both the writing AND his acting, I have to say that a lesser actor would not have made Astarion half as amazing a character. In fact, every one of the voice actors in the game did a truly amazing job. I've never played a game where EVERY character was nailed by the voice actors. It seems like being a VA would be a ton of fun- wish I had tried it when I was younger lol

[@ichi_san]

I really respect how nuanced Neil's perspective on his characters. A very accepting perspective of the characters he plays. I really enjoyed this :) Astarion's story is really moving and he really bring it to life

[@user-ds3tk1dc9p]

The whole crew that Larian Studios picked is just amazing. I adore every one of the actors, they all did such an amazing job!

[@kelici12]

He's such a good human, through and through. We are blessed to have him.

[@ana...p]

It's so beautiful to hear Neil talking about his work and Astarion. I love them both 😁

[@Lovely2291]

One thing i would tell Neil is that this is my favorite game. I had Bioshock as my number one game for like 8 years and BG3 has dethroned Bioshock. Also the fact that he worked for kids in South Central LA is awesome, it really shows how much he loves his craft.

[@Punchinelli]

This game's quality does remind me of Bioshock as well - it's in my top 3.

[@raffy234]

BG3 is actually SCARILY good. You cant play it and NOT notice the passion and love that went into it. It's insane. Im just so used to games being halfway done or not delivering what was promised and that's why I didnt immediately buy it. After hearing how good it was, I HAD TO have it and I haven't regretted it yet. You can replay it multiple times.

[@seesawrosy]

the amount of love and respect Neil openly and loudly expressed toward the writers and the conpany in general is so heartwarming. you can tell he truly loved his work in BG3 and is proud of what the team accomplished.

[@damedesuka77]

His dedication to being sleeveless in every occasion is pretty funny

[@lightempresss]

I am constantly looking at his fangs😮

[@ComedyLoverGirl]

Haha same! I always notice when another person is part of the fangy teeth club. xD

[@nunpho]

Pointy teef are the cutest

[@ANPC-pi9vu]

So lucky! I broke my canines falling down stairs as a kid. Smh

[@valkeakirahvi]

I remember when I started playing bg3 blind and didn't know anything about the characters, I spotted Astarion's fangs and went "Wait, is it normal for an elf to have fangs??" :O :D

[@yuuya2111]

What a wholesome person Neil is! He's a treasure to the gaming community. I wish I could try VA and mocap for games one day like Neil does ❤❤❤

[@JackieSt]

the actor for Halsin only started a couple of years ago, it's never too late!

[@meatcrimes-42069]

oh my gosh he’s wearing the bracelet his daughter made for him, brb dying ❤

[@katiatall]

The effort that the whole team put into this game is very evident

[@Medusa_plays]

10:12 My current Shadowheart origin playthrough is very pleased that Meta Astarion would marry her :P She's romancing him ♥

[@sealslayer]

Astarion is the best thing to happen to video games for years

[@floppyDisk616]

Neil has bonus on charisma +10. Love this dude 😊✌️

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

I'd say he definitely achieved the goal of making people feel something for Astarion because most player either love him or hate him, no in between

[@Aster_Risk]

I can't imagine hating Astarion!

[@amberh709]

As someone who has suffered through abuse and felt unseen and alone, Astarion and Neil both mean SO much to me. They both have become such a comfort to me in ways I cannot even begin to explain. Helping Astarion heal in the game is like helping myself heal. Because of my abuse I cannot be with someone in that way, but being with someone that way in the game eradicates any loneliness I experience. Especially when I can truly and deeply relate to that character. It's safety for me.

[@himesilva]

The way Neil talks about his characters and supporting them through their journey makes me believe that he's a great dad, partner, friend, etc. So many people feel the need to change their loved ones or steer them according to what they want and what they think is right, and in certain cases like a parent keeping their kid safe it makes sense, but often it's just people being closed-minded, selfish or misguided. _Being there,_ listening and helping when you can are the healthiest ways to support your loved ones imo, and I think Neil has the right attitude.

[@m22d889]

I'm so touched by this interview that I struggle to find the right words to appreciate what an amazing human being Neil is man. Obviously his work in Astarion's performance is what got me to him but his thoughts and outlook about financial struggle of actors, his personal journey, his belief to give back to the world of acting and how he thoughts on the "feast or famine" nature of income for actors is moving. Truth in his words and emotion in his voice tells every sentence was sincere and heartfelt. It's so easy to see the pain in his eyes when he mentions that dark time in his life when he was struggling financially and got into VA only because he was broke and probably had no other option. It makes his recent successes even more precious because you can see this man is grateful and appreciates the hell out of it. He totally deserved all the acclaim he has gotten for his performance as Astarion. Honestly, I love the man behind Astarion's voice so much.

[@psybunny3744]

That Kia ad he did should have been a movie

[@nunpho]

Noooo 😂

[@lr5697]

Love seeing interviews with this talented man!

[@TaniaPomalesArt]

I just started playing, and I really understand why people love him. He grows so much. And his story arc can be a really healing experience. This game has brought me so much joy and healing.

[@lilxth5409]

Neil the way you embrace a character and put yourself in their shoes is just amazing. The raw emotion that can be felt when you voice acted him,especially when he finally becomes free truly brings to tears.

[@mishiara5499]

Whatever he was paid, it was not enough. The real breakout star of the game.

[@KALioness910]

If people are still playing Skyrim to death decades after release, you can bet the even more for BG3. Big tip of the hat to the whole BG3 crew for bringing this game to life.

[@Lindscaldwell1]

I like this guy so much, and Astarion. It's so lovely to feel how much he truly cares about this project and loves his work.

[@Katchdraws]

Neil is such a gorgeous person inside and out

[@karunaserenade6865]

The best built character I have ever played in an RPG. Neil brought him to life.

[@ygnit5793]

10:02 Astarion laughter 🖤

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

Actors have the same struggles as other artists. I hope that Neil knows that he is inspiring people to help others who are interested in art.

[@peachyjjarred]

Okay damn,Neil has done a lot of things!! An that’s iconic. I love how he’s so well spoken an tries his hardest to express his gratitude towards other people who’ve been there in beginning of BG3! This was such a cool interview.

[@Akmoon]

That howl in the background over kiss merry kill

[@arbsan8366]

I truly appreciate how humbling and charitable he is! He seems like such a great person he takes his career seriously while simultaneously having fun doing it!

[@Jewert79]

You and Jennifer English had such captivating performances that I literally cannot imagine a playthrough without your characters.

[@93tigrou]

Neil is a real good soul , that's quite impresive what is his journey that lead him to Mocap capture.

[@briandipierro8865]

I appreciate this video, I just wish the audio wasn't panned like this, left and right, and was centered more.

[@Cristin647]

I fell in love with Astarion throughout my first playthrough so hard, and hearing about Neil's passion and love for the project and talking about everyone that helped bring Astarion to life really makes me appreciate the character and the whole game even more. I fell in love with the game within an hour after not being familiar with Baldur's Gate, and it is now by far one of my absolute favorite games of all time, with Astarion's personal quest being one of if not my favorite parts of the game. It really is a masterpiece of a title

[@doraveronika]

He is so well-spoken. It's a treat to listen to him talk about his passion.

[@Dusty_Inkwell]

Neil is just an absolute wonderful human bean and I wish him so much happiness and all around satisfaction and support. I love him as my precious sassy boi Astarion and I love Neil himself, as a person, just as much

[@alisatravels]

I really love how he distinguished having a bad day and a hard/burned out day doing the job you love

[@PrimetimeD]

Wow...what a remarkably grounded and humble person.

[@oreo-sr2pq]

3:21 what Neil said is so true. None of the things happening in the game that Larian Studios has implemented into the game does not feel forced at all. It feels real, true, seen, that it has happened and it really is happening in real life to people. Maybe not 100% exactly but the emotions and trauma are real. I love it with the LGBTQIA+ characters too they added in the game. NONE feel forced, it’s just there and existing and it’s so lovely. Like Isobel and Aylin, I never saw it coming and the two gnomes at Grymforge. It’s so lovely and absolutely brilliant

[@thishollowhill]

I need Neil and Kojima to get together, I feel like they would make such an epic character. I'd have no doubt in Kojima's skill to make a dynamic character for Neil. Neil is so good at bringing those characters to life out of respect for the character. It's beautiful and would love to see the two masters come together.

[@goodghoul2277]

Hands down my favorite voice actress, and even more with the lovely Astarion.. ♥

[@svetliakan]

Какой он приятный парень, настоящий профи, артист..на одном дыхании интервью посмотрела👏👏👏👏👏💓

[@kiterafrey]

Being a writer is the same mindset as Neil's on acting as a character. As an author I have to support each character on their journey, even the villains because no one is purely evil, we all have something driving us and shaping us.

[@melissaamato1139]

What an amazing multi personality, and giving human being, Thank you Neil, bless you. 👩🏻‍🚀🐶✨🌜✨❤️‍🩹🪛

[@nickyjadee2519]

I can honestly say baldaurs gate 3 is the best game with the best options and the best story lines and choices and endings that iv seen in my time as a gamer in my 20+ years this game was one the most resonating and breathtaking ❣️

[@muireannmc1056]

I thought he said Joss Whedon not Josh Weeden 😅 was really questioning things for a moment

[@hannie3000]

He is so humble and sweet and amazing and the world needs more people like Neil out there

[@Duncan2201]

It was wonderful to listen to Neil, but as a point of constructive criticism, the audio balance does not work well on headphones.

[@corpsewytchdannii]

"Half elf wood elf pansexual druid" YES! Love that representation!

[@DaftKid]

Such a down to Earth and humble human being.

[@luckyanya9354]

What was the part about Joss Whedon recommending Neil for Astarion? Also Neil gives very real reactions as to someone with PTSD (I felt very seen and it wasn't in the same type of context as Astarion's trauma.). Also I genuinely enjoy hearing Neil's stories and I think it's great he's helping people get into mo cap so they have an extra skill set. Isn't South Central LA like the roughest high crime area; that's great he did that and probably helped the kids confidence. I mean I did a lot of public speaking/drama/choir to get over my anxiety but to not have access to that would've been rough in high school for me.

[@maxiwright1411]

He is so awesome, I have become a fan of his

[@justmariakick]

whoever left the audio louder on the right side, why??

[@minglessdreamar5264]

He's such an icon

[@Chunks_YT]

What an amazing human being

[@Tsuki.99]

Neil is such a beautiful human being. I hope he knows 🧡

[@ChristopherAnders-dd4hd]

All voice actors were awesome

[@KITT.007]

My favourite line from Astarion is: “Careful, I bite.”

[@AliveSince1987]

Neil interviews very well.

[@Mill_O]

Jheez, did you not test the mics before getting started here? Cane barely hear Neil, interviewer nearly blew my ears out