Astarion's echo: neil newbon embraces bowie's influence, charts new acting path

Neil Newbon, the acclaimed voice behind Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, isn’t looking to re-enter the vampire lord’s shadow. The actor, in a recent interview with FRVR, revealed that David Bowie, along with Iggy Pop, profoundly shaped his artistic sensibilities – a revelation that explains his deliberate departure from typecasting.

Beyond the vampire: newbon's quest for artistic evolution

Newbon acknowledges the strong connection audiences have forged with his portrayal of Astarion. However, he’s consciously steering clear of roles that mirror the charismatic, morally ambiguous character. “Repetition breeds stagnation,” he explained, echoing Bowie's own relentless pursuit of experimentation. He has received numerous offers for roles essentially “just like Astarion,” but he resisted, recognizing the risk of diminishing his own growth.

This isn’t a rejection of the fantasy genre. Newbon has since taken on vastly different roles, including the sapient drying machine Drysdale in Date Everything!, the umbrella-wielding Lumacchio in the Lies of P DLC, and Chase Lowry in Dead Take. The upcoming Baldur’s Gate 3 TV series, spearheaded by Craig Mazin (The Last of Us), offers a potential return to the character, though Newbon remains cautiously optimistic. The series aims to continue the story from the game’s conclusion, and Mazin has reportedly been in contact with the game’s cast.

Newbon’s admiration for Bowie isn't merely anecdotal; it’s a guiding principle. He even expressed a desire to portray the iconic musician in a future biopic or a project like Labyrinth. “I’d definitely play Jareth in Labyrinth if someone came at me with that,” he quipped. This willingness to embrace unexpected challenges and push creative boundaries is what defines Newbon’s approach to acting – a path forged not in imitation, but in honoring artistic lineage while forging his own.