The crossover between film and gaming has become ever more prominent in recent years. With many video games containing fantastically written stories with compelling characters and plot points, we’re seeing more and more games transition into box-office movies. But what about the opposite? For today, how about we explore the times when famous actors journeyed into the gaming universe to provide their talents. Let’s explore 10 famous and beloved actors who voiced characters in some of your favourite video games.

1. Keanu Reeves - Cyberpunk 2077

If you’re a big fan of Keanu Reeves, you better hold on to your keyboards. Did you know this beloved Matrix actor lent his voice to the role of Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077? Not only that, but they also used his likeness to model the character and he even provided motion-capture! That’s right, in full-digitized glory, Keanu Reeves was able to deliver a performance that’s as captivating as his real on-screen persona.

Photo by Governo do Estado de São Paulo via Wikimedia Commons

2. Elliot Page - Beyond: Two Souls

If you remember the popular thriller-drama game, Beyond: Two Souls, you’re in for a surprise. The voice behind Jodie Holmes was none other than the Oscar-nominated, Elliot Page. With his emotional delivery and incredibly compelling performance, Page allowed gamers to become fully invested in Jodie’s supernatural journey, providing an even better all-around gaming experience.

Photo by Elliot Page via Wikimedia Commons

3. Sir Patrick Stewart - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

With his soothing yet commanding tones, Sir Patrick Stewart has a voice like no other. Somehow, this iconic voice has made its way into the gaming world, gracing players in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. That’s right, our favourite Star Trek captain was the narrator and voice of Emperor Uriel Septim VII. So the next time you pick up your game controller and throw on this popular game, pay close attention to this mighty emperor’s voice.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

4. Peter Dinklage - Destiny

Known for his major role in Game of Thrones as the fan favourite character, Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage swapped out the Iron Throne for a sci-fi adventure in Destiny. Did you ever notice something oddly familiar about, Ghost, your AI companion? That’s right, it’s Peter Dinklage! Sprinkling in some of his unique charms, his reliable voice will be the one to guide you through all the galactic chaos.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

5. Samuel L. Jackon - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Taking on the role of the corrupt cop Frank Tenpenny, what better actor is there to portray this character than the rough and tough Samuel L. Jackson? With as gritty and unforgettable of a performance as you’d expect, Jackon perfectly matched the game’s edgy narrative and brought the character to life. 

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

6. Mark Hamill - Batman: Arkham Series

Luke Skywalker anyone? The Force is definitely with us in the gaming world as Mark Hamill swaps out his iconic lightsaber for a maniacal laugh. Providing his voice for the menacing villain, Joker, in the Batman: Arkham game series, his chilling performance is absolutely perfect for Batman’s arch nemesis. As one of the most interesting villains in pop culture, we couldn’t have asked for a better voice performance.

Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan via Wikimedia Commons

7. Liam Neeson - Fallout 3 

You can find our favourite action hero not just in movies, but also in the gaming universe! Liam Neeson brings his amazing skills to the voice of the player’s father in Fallout 3. With an authoritative, yet comforting fatherly voice, his performance is able to bring incredible depth to this post-apocalyptic game. It really makes us feel as if we’re part of an epic movie!

Photo by Karen Seto / ???? from Toronto, Canada via Wikimedia Commons

8. Charles Dance - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game of Thrones was such a massive hit that another famous star has made it on this list. Charles Dance lends his strict and authoritative voice to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as Emhyr var Emreis, the Emperor of Nilfgaard. With such a strong and commanding voice, his performance gives the game a wonderful touch that enhances the rich narrative and makes the political intrigues of the game even more enthralling.

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9. Gary Oldman - Call of Duty: World at War

A chameleon on the big screen, Gary Oldman is a fantastic actor that showcases his versatility in Call of Duty: World at War. As the voice of Soviet Soldier Viktor Reznov, Oldman is able to deliver a performance so powerful, it elevated this fan-favourite game into an immersive, cinematic experience.

Photo by Sam from UK via Wikimedia Commons

10. Kristen Bell - Assassin’s Creed

Who knew the adorable and lovable Kristen Bell (also known as the voice actor for Anna in Frozen) could perfectly nail the voice of an ace assassin? Well, we sure didn’t! Voicing the character of Lucy Stillman in the Assassin’s Creed games, she’s able to bring charm and warmth to the game’s complex narrative. Thanks to the depth and realism she added to the character with just her voice, she was able to help gamers connect with Lucy on an emotional level.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

Instead of just acting in movies, Hollywood actors and actresses have found a new creative outlet thanks to the unique and interactive platform of the gaming universe. With so many games being produced daily, we can’t wait to see which famous star is next to take up the console.