Neil Newbon Supports Larian Studios' Decision to Step Away from Baldur's Gate 3 Sequel
2025-07-31 09:56:54Neil Newbon, the talented actor behind the beloved character Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, has publicly expressed his approval of Larian Studios' decision not to pursue a sequel to the critically acclaimed RPG. While this stance might come as a surprise to fans, Newbon provides compelling reasons for his perspective.
Baldur's Gate 3 stands as one of the most celebrated RPGs in recent gaming history, offering players an expansive Dungeons & Dragons experience that can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively. Larian Studios dedicated nearly a decade to crafting this masterpiece, resulting in a game with remarkable replay value and countless narrative possibilities.
In a revealing interview on Radio Times Gaming's Arcade Hang show, Newbon shared his admiration for Larian's principled stance. The actor explained that the development team felt creatively fulfilled but exhausted after completing Baldur's Gate 3, describing their mindset as "that's done now." Newbon firmly believes the studio made "absolutely the right call" in choosing to explore new creative ventures rather than forcing a sequel.
Despite supporting Larian's departure from the franchise, the award-winning performer remains deeply connected to his character. Newbon expressed enthusiasm about potentially reprising Astarion in future projects, even suggesting the possibility of a live-action adaptation. He praised the original creative team while emphasizing that any sequel would need fresh inspiration rather than being a "carbon copy" of the first game.
While fans might have hoped for continuous Baldur's Gate content from Larian, Newbon's insights help explain why avoiding forced sequels preserves artistic integrity. The challenge now falls to Hasbro to develop a worthy successor that honors the original's legacy while offering innovative gameplay experiences.