It's been a year and a half since Baldur's Gate 3 launched, but from how much we're still talking about it, you would have thought it released yesterday. It's hard to overstate the impact of Larian's stint in Faerûn, but you don't need to tell that to Jennifer English. When we last sat down for an interview – just weeks before Baldur's Gate 3's release – the Shadowheart actor was thrilled with her performance, but like many of us, had no idea just how much the game would blow up.
Fast-forward, and English has been selected for this year's BAFTA Breakthrough – a Netflix-supported initiative that supports emerging talent – because of her role as Shadowheart. "My life has changed completely since last we spoke," English tells 12DOVE, grinning. "I've been traveling the world, meeting fans because of Baldur's Gate 3, and have gone from complete absurdity to being recognized on the street! [...] This has probably been the best year of my life."
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It's a level of recognition that may not surprise many of the game's fans. Shadowheart's journey of self-discovery is one of Baldur's Gate 3's very best stories, leading to the Cleric being the game's most-romanced character. The overwhelmingly positive reception influenced English's view on Shadowheart retrospectively – she now appreciates the character more – but looking further afield, it won't be a factor in how she tackles future roles.
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"I love acting so much," says English. "I love the process of it, and I think it's really important to just go for the truth of a character and not think about whether they're going to be a fan favorite, or loved, because then you're going to create a kind of performative style of performance – which isn't me."
"Sometimes people will love that character and sometimes people love to hate that character," she adds. "I'm kind of okay with that going forward. It's so important for us as performers to focus on that truth, and when we start thinking about the reaction, we lose some of that. That's why I'm really glad I didn't know how huge this game's success would be – if I did, it wouldn't have served the character at all."
"That's the point of Baldur's Gate 3. It's yours, it's whatever you choose it to be"
Jennifer English
Speaking of God's Favorite Princess, Baldur's Gate 3's branching narratives mean Shadowheart's story can go in many different directions, from doubling down on Shar worship to turning a new leaf. That's to say nothing of the various romance options, or possible interactions with her fellow party members by the epilogue. Because of that freedom, English says there isn't a "canon" ending for her Cleric. "That's the point of Baldur's Gate 3," she explains. "It's yours, it's whatever you choose it to be. I know my [choices] as a player, but as an actor I gave just as much truth, time, and care to every one of those endings, so I'm not going to rule out any of them – it would rule out my work. They're all yours!"
"There is no right or wrong way to play this game… unless you have sex with a bear – that's weird," English jokes. "[And] don't kick squirrels!"
Though Shadowheart's future is ultimately the players' to decide, whether we've seen the last of her is cause for debate. While Larian has ruled out making Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, Dungeons & Dragons owner Hasbro could choose to pursue its own game with these characters. "That's one thing I love about Larian – their integrity," says English.
As for whether she would personally return as Shadowheart, English lays out some ground rules. "I think we're [the cast] all open to the future of it [...] If there is a future with Shadowheart, I would want it to be beautifully written and honor the game's audience, and how inclusive and forward-thinking Larian is. If that opportunity came up and she was beautifully written, and that audience and inclusivity was honored, I would certainly consider it – but only with those conditions."
"I wouldn't want to take her and make her into a cartoon version of her," she adds. "I'd want to go forward with that only if it honors her in a way I think we would all be proud of."
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