Video Game Voice Actors Who Are A-List Celebrities

The intersection of Hollywood and the gaming industry has grown significantly over the past two decades, with high-profile actors lending their voices and likenesses to interactive experiences. This transition has evolved from simple cameos to fully realized motion-capture performances that anchor major triple-A titles. Developers often seek out A-list talent to provide a sense of cinematic weight and prestige to their narratives. As gaming technology improves, the line between film and digital performance continues to blur, attracting some of the biggest names in the entertainment world.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves portrayed the high-tech rebel Johnny Silverhand in the 2020 action role-playing game ‘Cyberpunk 2077’. His involvement was kept a secret until a surprise appearance at E3 2019, which became a significant cultural moment for the industry. Reeves provided both his voice and full motion-capture performance for the character, who serves as a digital ghost residing in the protagonist’s mind. The role was expanded during development due to the actor’s enthusiasm for the source material. He later reprised the character for the 2023 expansion, ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty’.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba joined the cast of ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty’ as Solomon Reed, a veteran FIA secret agent. The character was designed specifically with Elba in mind, utilizing his physical likeness to convey a weary, hardened operative. His performance focuses on the moral complexities of loyalty and duty within the game’s spy-thriller expansion. This role marked Elba’s major entry into high-end video game performance following smaller roles in other media. The actor’s presence helped elevate the expansion’s narrative profile to that of a major cinematic production.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill is widely recognized for his portrayal of the Joker in the ‘Batman: Arkham’ series, starting with ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ in 2009. While he had previously voiced the character in television animation, the games allowed for a darker and more visceral interpretation of the iconic villain. His performance in ‘Batman: Arkham City’ and ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ received critical acclaim for its range and intensity. Hamill’s chemistry with the cast helped establish the series as a benchmark for superhero storytelling in gaming. He has since become one of the most prolific and respected voice actors in the medium.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson provided the voice for the primary antagonist, Officer Frank Tenpenny, in the 2004 classic ‘Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’. Tenpenny is a corrupt police officer who serves as a constant foil to the protagonist, CJ, throughout the game’s sprawling narrative. Jackson’s performance brought a menacing authority to the role, helping to ground the game’s themes of systemic corruption. The character remains one of the most memorable villains in the history of the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ franchise. This role demonstrated the potential for major film stars to inhabit complex, long-form roles in open-world games.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman played the pivotal role of Viktor Reznov in ‘Call of Duty: World at War’ and ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’. His character is a Russian soldier who becomes a mentor and eventually a psychological focal point for the series’ narrative. Oldman also provided the voice for Lord Ignitus in the ‘The Legend of Spyro’ trilogy during the same era. His ability to deliver intense, gravelly performances helped define the cinematic tone of the ‘Call of Duty’ single-player campaigns. These roles showcased his versatility in transitioning from dramatic film roles to high-stakes action gaming.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart voiced Emperor Uriel Septim VII in the 2006 fantasy epic ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’. Although the character appears briefly at the start of the game, his presence is crucial to the overarching plot involving the Dragonfires and the Daedric invasion. Stewart’s authoritative and Shakespearean delivery helped establish the high-stakes tone for the rest of the experience. He received a Spike Video Game Award for his work on the title, highlighting the impact of his brief but memorable performance. His involvement was a key part of the game’s marketing strategy to emphasize its high production values.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson lent his voice to James, the player’s father, in the 2008 post-apocalyptic title ‘Fallout 3’. The narrative begins with the player’s birth and follows the search for James after he mysteriously leaves Vault 101. Neeson’s warm yet determined vocal performance provided an emotional anchor for the vast, desolate world of the Capital Wasteland. His participation was a major selling point for Bethesda Softworks, signaling their intent to provide a Hollywood-caliber story. The character’s moral compass and scientific drive serve as the primary motivation for the game’s main questline.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone voiced the character Amanda Cartwright in the 2012 open-world action game ‘Sleeping Dogs’. The character is an American student who acts as a brief love interest for the undercover protagonist, Wei Shen. At the time of the game’s development, Stone was already an established star, having appeared in several high-profile comedies and dramas. While her role in the game is relatively small, it added to the title’s impressive ensemble cast. The game’s setting in Hong Kong utilized a mix of Western and Eastern talent to create its unique atmosphere.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe starred as Nathan Dawkins in the 2013 supernatural drama ‘Beyond: Two Souls’. He played a government scientist who acts as a surrogate father figure to the protagonist, Jodie Holmes, throughout her life. Dafoe provided full facial and body motion capture, allowing his nuanced expressions to be translated into the game engine. His performance explored the character’s descent from a caring mentor into a man obsessed with the afterlife. This project was one of the early examples of a major A-list actor leading a game driven entirely by performance and narrative choice.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page provided the lead performance for Jodie Holmes in ‘Beyond: Two Souls’, portraying the character across several decades of her life. The role required an immense amount of motion-capture work to depict Jodie’s growth from a young child to a fugitive adult. Page’s performance was central to the game’s emotional impact, focusing on the character’s link to a mysterious entity named Aiden. The game was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, highlighting the cinematic quality of Page’s work in the medium. This remains one of the most comprehensive performances by an A-list actor in a video game to date.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito portrayed the primary antagonist, Antón Castillo, in the 2021 first-person shooter ‘Far Cry 6’. As the dictator of the fictional Caribbean nation of Yara, Esposito brought his signature calculated intensity to the role. His likeness was used extensively in marketing and cinematic cutscenes to establish the game’s political stakes. The narrative focuses on the relationship between Castillo and his young son, adding a layer of personal drama to the revolution. Esposito has noted in interviews that he approached the role with the same preparation he uses for his acclaimed television performances.

Matthew Perry

The late Matthew Perry voiced the treacherous Benny in the 2010 cult favorite ‘Fallout: New Vegas’. Perry was a massive fan of the previous game, ‘Fallout 3’, and frequently spoke about his love for the series on talk shows. This enthusiasm led the developers at Obsidian Entertainment to offer him the role of the sharp-suited chairman of the Tops Casino. Benny is the character responsible for shooting the protagonist in the opening sequence, setting the entire plot in motion. Perry’s delivery captured the smooth, 1950s-inspired “Rat Pack” aesthetic of the New Vegas strip perfectly.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds played Avery Carrington in the 2002 hit ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’. Carrington is a ruthless real estate mogul who gives the player missions involving corporate sabotage and property manipulation. Reynolds’ performance drew on his established persona of a charming yet dangerous Southern gentleman. The character’s dialogue often involved advice on how to succeed in business through underhanded tactics. This casting was part of Rockstar Games’ effort to fill their 1980s-inspired world with legendary actors from that era.

Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta provided the voice for Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’. This was a landmark moment for the industry, as it was one of the first times a major Hollywood leading man voiced a playable character in a massive open-world game. Liotta’s performance as the ambitious mobster helped define the gritty, ‘Scarface’-inspired tone of the game. Despite reported friction during the recording process, the character remains one of the most iconic in the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ franchise. The success of the game proved that high-profile actors could carry the narrative of a blockbuster video game.

Jack Black

Jack Black took on the lead role of Eddie Riggs in the 2009 heavy metal-inspired action-adventure ‘Brütal Legend’. The character was designed to reflect Black’s real-life passion for rock music and his comedic energy. The game features Eddie being transported to a fantasy world based on the aesthetics of classic album covers. Black provided both his voice and likeness for the character, often improvising lines to fit the game’s humorous tone. His involvement was central to the game’s identity and its celebration of heavy metal culture.

Sean Bean

Sean Bean voiced Martin Septim in ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’, appearing alongside Patrick Stewart. Martin is the illegitimate son of the Emperor and the last hope for the world of Tamriel to stop a demonic invasion. Bean’s performance follows the character’s journey from a humble priest to a heroic leader who must make a final sacrifice. The actor’s history of playing rugged, honorable characters in fantasy films made him a natural fit for the role. His presence helped solidify the game’s status as a high-fantasy epic with serious dramatic weight.

Carrie-Anne Moss

Carrie-Anne Moss played the role of Aria T’Loak in the ‘Mass Effect’ series, specifically appearing in ‘Mass Effect 2’ and ‘Mass Effect 3’. Aria is the cold and powerful pirate queen who rules the Omega space station with an iron fist. Moss brought a sense of calculated authority to the character, making her a fan favorite despite her morally ambiguous nature. More recently, the actress reprised her role as Tilda van der Meer in the 2022 title ‘Horizon Forbidden West’. Her performance in the ‘Horizon’ sequel utilized modern motion-capture technology to bring her distinct features and movements to life.

Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen voiced the Illusive Man, the enigmatic leader of the pro-human organization Cerberus, in ‘Mass Effect 2’ and ‘Mass Effect 3’. His character serves as a primary strategist and occasional antagonist who is obsessed with human advancement in the galaxy. Sheen’s performance was praised for its subtlety and the sense of intellectual threat he conveyed through voice alone. The character is often seen in a high-tech office in front of a dying star, a visual that complemented Sheen’s commanding vocal presence. His involvement added a layer of political intrigue and gravitas to the space opera’s sprawling narrative.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood voiced the titular character in ‘The Legend of Spyro’ trilogy, which rebooted the franchise with a more narrative-focused approach. Wood brought a more mature and heroic tone to the purple dragon compared to earlier, more lighthearted iterations. He was joined in the cast by other notable actors, creating a cinematic experience for a younger audience. Beyond this series, Wood has been a vocal supporter of the gaming industry and has appeared in other titles like ‘Broken Age’. His performance as Spyro spanned three games, showing a commitment to the character’s development.

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel starred as Richard B. Riddick in ‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay’ in 2004. Unlike many licensed movie games, this title was critically acclaimed and is considered a pioneer in the first-person stealth genre. Diesel was deeply involved in the game’s production through his own company, Tigon Studios, ensuring it met high standards. He provided his voice and likeness to the character, capturing the brooding intensity seen in the ‘Pitch Black’ film. The game expanded the lore of the Riddick universe while providing a top-tier gaming experience.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage originally voiced the character Ghost, the player’s robotic companion, in the 2014 first-person shooter ‘Destiny’. His performance was a major talking point during the game’s launch, though it received mixed reviews for its somewhat detached delivery. The character’s dialogue included the now-famous line regarding a “wizard from the moon.” Due to scheduling conflicts and a desire for a different direction, his lines were eventually replaced by voice actor Nolan North in 2015. Despite the eventual replacement, Dinklage’s initial casting was a sign of the industry’s massive budget and ambition.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington portrayed the main antagonist, Admiral Salen Kotch, in ‘Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’ in 2016. Known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’, Harington stepped away from his heroic persona to play a ruthless leader of a Martian separatist colony. He provided full motion-capture for the role, appearing in several key cinematic sequences throughout the campaign. His character’s cold, uncompromising philosophy served as the driving force for the game’s interstellar conflict. The casting was a significant part of Activision’s push to maintain the series’ reputation for Hollywood-style storytelling.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek played Josh Washington in the 2015 horror game ‘Until Dawn’, which utilized extensive facial scanning technology. The game follows a group of teenagers trapped on a mountain, and Malek’s character is central to the mystery and psychological tension. His performance was captured just as his career was skyrocketing due to the success of ‘Mr. Robot’. The high-fidelity graphics allowed his distinct facial expressions to play a crucial role in the game’s jump scares and emotional beats. Malek has since become an Academy Award winner, making his role in the game a notable early highlight of his career.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland took over the role of Venom Snake in ‘Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes’ and ‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’. This casting choice by director Hideo Kojima was intended to bring a more grounded and mature performance to the legendary soldier. Sutherland provided both the voice and facial motion-capture, focusing on the character’s silent intensity and weary facial movements. While the departure of the original voice actor was controversial among fans, Sutherland’s performance was noted for its cinematic quality. His involvement signaled the franchise’s shift toward more realistic, high-budget production values.

Norman Reedus

Norman Reedus starred as the protagonist Sam Porter Bridges in Hideo Kojima’s 2019 title ‘Death Stranding’. The game features a star-studded cast, but Reedus is the central figure, appearing in almost every scene as he traverses a fractured America. Reedus worked closely with Kojima, providing extensive motion-capture and voice work that captured the character’s physical exhaustion and isolation. His likeness is rendered in extreme detail, including his tattoos and distinct physical mannerisms. This collaboration followed the cancellation of a previous project they were working on together, the ‘Silent Hills’ reboot.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen played the antagonist Clifford Unger in ‘Death Stranding’, appearing in haunting “war nightmares” throughout the game. His performance was highly praised, eventually winning him the Best Performance award at The Game Awards in 2019. Mikkelsen’s character is a mysterious soldier with a deep emotional connection to the game’s overarching plot involving “Bridge Babies.” The actor’s unique physical presence and expressive face were perfectly suited for the game’s surreal and cinematic sequences. He has often praised the creative freedom and technological innovation he experienced while working on the project.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell voiced Lucy Stillman in the first three major ‘Assassin’s Creed’ games, starting in 2007. Her character is a researcher for Abstergo Industries who helps the protagonist, Desmond Miles, navigate his genetic memories. Bell’s likeness was used for the character, making her one of the most recognizable faces in the early days of the franchise. The character of Lucy was central to the modern-day framing story that tied the historical settings together. Bell’s involvement helped the series bridge the gap between traditional gaming and mainstream entertainment during its rise to popularity.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken lent his voice to the character George in the 2003 open-world game ‘True Crime: Streets of LA’. The game was an early competitor to the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ series and featured a heavy focus on celebrity voice talent to distinguish itself. Walken played a veteran police officer who serves as a mentor and narrator for the protagonist, Nick Kang. His distinct vocal delivery added a sense of quirky authority and humor to the game’s police procedural storyline. This role remains one of the more unique examples of a legendary character actor participating in a video game.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu voiced the character Vivienne Lu in the 2012 title ‘Sleeping Dogs’, playing a famous actress within the game’s world. Her character is involved in a side-story that involves the protagonist escorting her through various locations in Hong Kong. Liu’s inclusion helped ground the game’s setting, which was heavily inspired by Hong Kong cinema and action tropes. While her role was a cameo, it added to the game’s authentic feel by including a real-life star of the genre. The game’s cast was notable for its high concentration of established Asian and Asian-American talent.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender voiced the character Logan, the tyrannical King of Albion, in the 2010 fantasy game ‘Fable III’. Logan serves as the primary antagonist for the first half of the game, forcing the player to lead a revolution against his rule. Fassbender’s performance brought a sense of tragic complexity to the character, who believes his harsh actions are necessary to save the kingdom. This role was recorded around the time Fassbender was becoming a major international star in films like ‘Inglourious Basterds’. His participation added a layer of dramatic weight to the game’s exploration of power and morality.

Which of these A-list performances in video games surprised you the most, and are there any others you would like to see in the comments?