Actors from Hollywood Dive into the World of Video Games
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Hollywood Stars Embrace Virtual Worlds:
jodiemcomer and David Harbour Make Video Game Debuts.
The trend of Hollywood actors transitioning into the virtual realm is on the rise. Jodie Comer and David Harbour are set to make their first forays into video Games with the remake of the 1992 horror classic, Alone in the Dark.
A steady stream of actors, who have carved their careers in the glitzy world of Hollywood, are now making significant waves in the realm of hy- video games. Once considered a stigmatized medium, video games are now recognized as a unique storytelling platform capable of reaching vast audiences.
Some actors are lending their voices, drawing on skills honed from animated movies or TV shows, while others are contributing their likenesses through sophisticated motion-capture technology, capturing every nuanced expression.
Last year saw Cameron Monaghan take the lead in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Megan Fox joining the cast of Mortal Kombat 1, and Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves anchoring Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
In the latest remake of Alone in the Dark, slated for release this month, both Jodie Comer, acclaimed for her roles in "Killing Eve" (for which she won an Emmy) and "Prima Facie" (earning a Tony), and David Harbour, known for his standout performance in "Stranger Things," are venturing into the video game world for the first time. They join a cohort of actors bridging the gap with younger generations, meeting them where they already thrive.
I hope that people are still watching two-hour movies decades from now, but I know they will be playing video games," remarked Harbour in an email exchange.
Reflecting on her experience, Comer, in a behind-the-scenes video released by the game's publisher, shared that her involvement in the movie "Free Guy," set within a fictionalized video game, deepened her appreciation for the industry. "It’s so incredible to be able to kind of step out of what you usually do and explore something new, and kind of challenge yourself," she expressed.
In Alone in the Dark, Comer's character and the private investigator portrayed by Harbour venture into a psychiatric hospital to unravel the truth behind a recent disappearance. Both characters are playable, featuring distinct cutscenes and dialogue.
Mikael Hedberg, the game’s creative director, emphasized that the reunion of the characters after separation provides immediate relief for players due to the genuine sense of recognition created.
The convergence of Hollywood and video games not only brings fresh talent and perspectives to gaming but also underscores the evolving landscape of entertainment, where boundaries between mediums continue to blur.