Final Fantasy 16 is set to deliver the most story-driven and cinematic experience yet for the long-running JRPG saga. Central to bringing its ensemble cast of complex characters to life is a star-studded group of talented voice actors. Let‘s get better acquainted with the voices behind the fantasy!
Ben Starr Brings Gravitas and Intensity as Leading Man Clive Rosfield
As the first fully voiced protagonist in Final Fantasy history, there was immense pressure to cast the role of Clive Rosfield perfectly. Square Enix ultimately chose Ben Starr, known for grounded yet intense performances in shows like Jamestown, Trying and You.
Starr‘s extensive experience with complex leading man roles makes him a natural fit. His Clive anchors Final Fantasy 16 with captivating vocals that convey the inner tumult and growing heroism of this conflicted knight. Fluctuating fluidly between stoic warrior and protective brother modes, Starr‘s voice acting captures Clive‘s central dichotomy.
"Starr‘s fantastic performance sells Clive‘s entire emotional arc…he lends real humanity and depth to the protagonist role in a way FF fans will cherish." – RPGSite
Reviewers widely praise his acting skills in previews, noting the gravitas and nuance he imbues. Listen to any story trailer and Starr‘s cinematic flair is self-evident. His dramatic chops fully realize Clive Rosfield as Final Fantasy‘s newest iconic RPG legend.
Some highlighted roles from Ben Starr‘s career:
- Lead role of Dr. Christopher Priestley in period drama Jamestown
- DC James Steele in long-running series Death in Paradise
- Voice work for various video game characters
Logan Hannan Captures Young Joshua‘s Spirit as His Child Actor
While Clive may be Final Fantasy 16‘s chief hero, his younger brother Joshua also plays a central role. We first meet Joshua as an orphaned child, performed touchingly by budding talent Logan Hannan.
Hannan brings incredible innocence and optimism to young Joshua in early emotionally charged scenes. This provides an impactful contrast once tragedy reshapes him as an adult. FF16 producer Naoki Yoshida praised Hannan‘s ability to exude such hopefulness and vulnerability.
Previous standout roles for the youthful Hannan include:
- Hugo in plague tale sequel Requiem
- Voice work in Earwig and the Witch and original A Plague Tale
Despite his limited experience, Logan Hannan‘s range and heart shine through whenever he voices young Joshua. His earnest performance forms one of FF16‘s most resonant emotional anchors.
Jonathan Case Takes on Older Joshua with Restrained Intensity
Later in Final Fantasy 16, the narrative jumps forward years as we rediscover adult Joshua, now a hardened warrior played by Jonathan Case. He replaces Logan Hannan seamlessly as his elder brother, while bringing more cynical world-weariness to the once wide-eyed orphan.
Case captures the simmering intensity and soulful nature of adult Joshua remarkably. In a game full of bigger-than-life archetypes, his grounded read provides the heart. Reviewers praise Case for expressing remarkable gravitas despite his more limited resume compared to other FF16 stars.
Some highlighted past roles Case has undertaken include:
- Edmund in period short film Isabella
- Supporting part in sports comedy Underdogs
Despite flying under the radar so far, Jonathan Case clearly has the acting chops necessary to share top billing in Final Fantasy 16‘s prestigious cast. His emotional delivery as an adult Joshua, hardened by grief yet still caring, adds heavy dramatic weight.
Charlotte McBurney Endears as Childhood friend Jill Warrick
Appearing early in Clive‘s journey is his childhood companion Jill Warrick, first shown as an adorable young girl by actress Charlotte McBurney. She imbues Jill with immense heart and a defiant charm.
McBurney‘s most prominent role has been as the well-received Amicia de Rune in both Plague Tale titles. Her earnest, empathetic delivery transfers perfectly to playing young noblewoman Jill. Early scenes conveying herfamily‘s massacre or enslavement are devastating thanks to McBurney‘s emotional conviction.
Even with only a few acting credits so far, Charlotte McBurney punches above her weight class in FF16. She lends such sympathetic warmth to Jill that players will surely connect deeply as her story arc continues later on.
Susannah Fielding Portrays Jill as Formidable Leader in Adulthood
Charlotte McBurney hands the baton to acclaimed British television actress Susannah Fielding later on as the adult iteration of Jill Warrick. She plays a prominent role as political head of House Warrick.
Fielding lends considerable gravitas and refinement to Lady Jill, convincingly moving her characterization into more an assertive leader. Yet she retains the compassionate warmth Jill demonstrated as a child.
Boasting extensive live acting credits across mediums, Susannah Fielding fits Final Fantasy 16‘s cinematic approach perfectly through her theatrical presence.
Some major past roles from Fielding‘s stellar resume:
- National Theatre Live productions
- Supporting television performances in shows like Black Mirror
- Voice acting in Forza Horizon and Sea of Thieves games
Susannah Fielding brings credibility and elegance to politically engaged adult Jill Warrick in FF16‘s later segments.
An Ensemble Cast Jam-Packed with Acting Legends
While the above covers Final Fantasy 16‘s central heroes, the game boasts an impressively stacked supporting cast:
Nina Yndis – The strict Lady Benedikta Harman
Stewart Clarke – Clive‘s wandering bard ally, Dion Lesage
Alex Lanipekun – Morally torn mercenary captain Hugo Kupka
David Menkin – The wise Archivist Barnabas Tharmr
Ralph Ineson – Fearsome Archduke Cidolfus Telamon
These TV and film veterans grant unique flavour to even minor FF16 players thanks to their acting chops. Square Enix weren‘t playing around assembling a fantasy voice cast packed with fan-favourite stars!
Bringing The Realm of Valisthea To Life
With its Summer 2023 launch approaching, Square Enix has clearly invested tremendously in curating an elite ensemble to voice Final Fantasy 16‘s dramatis personae. Few gaming franchises can boast voice talent of this caliber.
Clive Rosfield strikes an instant chord thanks to Ben Starr‘s intensity and pathos. Logan Hannan and Jonathan Case jointly provide incredible heart as young and adult Joshua respectively. Charlotte McBurney and Susannah Fielding both endear as Jill Warrick across the years.
These brilliant performances are just the tip of the iceberg for a voice cast brimming with star power. From Ralph Ineson‘s foreboding tones as Archduke Telamon to Stewart Clarke‘s roguish Bard Dion, every major player bursts with personality.
Coupled with the graphical fidelity of the PS5, Final Fantasy 16 is set to deliver a storyline more cinematic than any preceding entry. And an Oscar-worthy voice cast like this certainly helps further that immersive experience!
For all the latest news and deep dives on everything Final Fantasy 16 in the leadup to launch, check back here! Did any of the voice cast stand out to you? Which characters are you most hyped for? Let us know in the comments!
