Mass Effect's Cast Has Always Had Star Power, and Mass Effect 4 Should Be No Different

Even though the Mass Effect games set a high bar for the series with a star-studded cast of voice actors from across the entertainment industry, BioWare's upcoming Mass Effect 4 should strive to uphold this standard when casting its characters. From the original Mass Effect to even its Mass Effect: Andromeda spin-off, the sci-fi RPG has featured the talents of veteran voice actors from television, film, gaming, and more. While some are likely to reprise their roles in the upcoming Mass Effect 4, it's just as likely that BioWare will continue to cast other high-profile actors for any new characters the game introduces.

Given that the potential canon of Mass Effect 4 is still unclear, especially after BioWare decided to forego carrying over past player saves with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, its returning cast members might only include a few notable examples. But with Mass Effect 3's ending potentially killing off several recurring characters, even including Commander Shepard as the series' protagonist, another fresh start might benefit both Mass Effect 4 and BioWare. Ultimately, regardless of whether past fan-favorite figures come back or BioWare introduces an all-new roster of characters, Mass Effect 4 should still feature a range of celebrated voice actors.

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By  Jervon Perkins

Exploring Mass Effect's Star-Studded Cast of Characters

The VA Veterans Behind Mass Effect's Shepard and Ryder

Between both gendered versions of Commander Shepard, most, if not all, Mass Effect fans will be familiar with Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale, who respectively voiced the character. While Meer has done his fair share of voice-over work in both gaming and animation with the Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate series, Hale has become acclaimed as one of the most prolific actors in gaming, with extensive roles in Mortal Kombat, Overwatch, Metroid Prime, BioShock, and more. However, it seems possible that neither Meer nor Hale will return for Mass Effect 4 due to Mass Effect 3's endings, which can all, in some capacity, indicate that Shepard has met their fate.

But BioWare's commitment to featuring prominent voice actors continues beyond the Mass Effect trilogy, as ME: Andromeda included Scott and Sara Ryder as dual protagonists, played by Tom Taylorson and Fryda Wolff. Again, while Taylorson has had a prominent voice-over career with games like God of War, The Elder Scrolls, and Like a Dragon, Wolff has had a significantly active career in recent years, with roles in series like Apex Legends, Starfield, Final Fantasy, Fallout, and more. Though Mass Effect 4 might not be linked to ME: Andromeda spin-off, BioWare's casting of its leads could suggest its protagonists will be equally talented.

The VA Stars Behind Mass Effect's Recurring Characters

Even though some Mass Effect characters were introduced to the series in its second or third game, both the trilogy and ME: Andromeda spin-off have featured a cast of notable and prominent voice actors from across the entertainment industry. Outlined below are just some of Mass Effect's squadmates, villains, and more who were played by actors also known for their work in television, film, and gaming.

Between these and countless others, the Mass Effect series has always drawn on high-profile actors to portray its characters. This is something that could again influence Mass Effect 4's casting decisions regarding its squadmates, antagonists, and more.

The Honorable Mentions For Mass Effect's VA Cast

Despite some side characters only featuring in one Mass Effect game, they have still been played by some well-known actors. Between the original trilogy and its spin-off, below are even more examples of BioWare casting prominent actors for its characters.

Combined with Mass Effect's broader history of high-profile voice actors, it seems likely that Mass Effect 4 will continue this trend despite BioWare's future being left unclear following DA: The Veilguard. However, with only Liara rumored to return after a 2020 teaser trailer, it will remain to be seen how Mass Effect 4's characters and their actors will compare to the series' past games.

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Mass Effect

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Created by

Casey Hudson

Video Game(s)

Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Creation Year

2007

Developer(s)

BioWare, Edge of Reality, Demiurge Studios, Straight Right

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios

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