Does the RE4 Remake Have the Same Voice Actors?

The short answer is no, the Resident Evil 4 remake does not feature the same voice actors as the original 2005 game. While the core characters remain the same, Capcom opted for a completely new voice cast to breathe life into the iconic roles for this modern reimagining. This decision is part of a larger effort to both update the game’s overall tone and presentation while also providing a unique experience that sets it apart from its predecessor. Let’s delve deeper into the vocal changes and explore the talented individuals behind the voices in the remake.

The New Voices of Resident Evil 4 Remake

The remake introduces a fresh take on beloved characters, and this includes a new cast of voice actors for the English language version. Here’s a breakdown of some key roles:

• Leon S. Kennedy: Voiced by Nick Apostolides. This marks a significant change from Paul Mercier, who voiced Leon in the original Resident Evil 4. Apostolides brings a more nuanced and emotionally complex portrayal of Leon, reflecting the trauma he endured in Raccoon City.
• Ashley Graham: Voiced by Genevieve Buechner. Unlike the original, Ashley’s character has undergone some changes, moving away from frequent screams for help and leaning into a more assertive personality. Buechner captures this new dynamic effectively.
• Ada Wong: Voiced by Lily Gao. Ada’s character has been given a new tone, with less emphasis on being an over-the-top character to a more grounded and nuanced delivery. This was a deliberate choice by Capcom, and Gao’s performance makes the character feel more modern.
• Luis Sera: Voiced by Andre Pena. Pena’s portrayal of Luis captures the character’s intellect and charm while still acknowledging his troubled past and motivations.
• Jack Krauser: Voiced by Mike Kovac. Kovac brings a menacing and complex portrayal of Krauser, emphasizing his past trauma and his struggle with identity and loyalty.
• Albert Wesker: Voiced by Craig Burnatowski. Burnatowski’s voice gives Wesker a sense of power, menace, and intelligence.

The shift to a new voice cast is part of a comprehensive effort to modernize the game’s narrative and characterizations. The remake is not simply a graphical upgrade; it’s a reinterpretation of the story for a new generation of players.

Why the Change?

The decision to recast the voice actors wasn’t made lightly. Capcom aimed for a more mature and emotionally resonant tone for the remake, and this required voices that could bring a fresh perspective to these familiar characters. Changes in acting direction and character design also necessitated a new vocal approach, ensuring that the voices matched the visuals and the overall narrative. In general, the updated character models, animations, and overall setting for the remake, paired with new voice actors helps the game feel brand new rather than just a reskin.

The changes in voice acting also align with the broader alterations in the game’s plot and character development. For instance, Leon’s character is more clearly affected by the events of Resident Evil 2, and the voice acting emphasizes his emotional depth and internal struggles. Ashley’s character feels more independent and assertive, and her voice actor’s performance reflects this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about voice acting changes and other related aspects of the Resident Evil 4 remake:

1. Who voiced Leon in the original Resident Evil 4?

   The original Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil 4 was voiced by Paul Mercier.

2. Why does Leon sound different in the remake?

   Leon sounds different due to the casting of a new voice actor, Nick Apostolides. Capcom sought a voice that matched the remake’s more mature and grounded tone. The changes to the character’s face and expressions were deliberate in showing how much the events of the past have changed him.

3. Who is the face model for Ashley Graham in the RE4 remake?

   The face model for Ashley Graham is Ella Freya, a Dutch model, while her voice is provided by Genevieve Buechner.

4. Did Capcom change Ashley’s personality in the RE4 remake?

   Yes, Ashley’s personality was altered. Unlike the original, she is less prone to constant screaming and behaves more independently, only calling for help when necessary. Instead of pleading, she demands her kidnappers release her.

5. Why was Ada Wong’s voice changed in the remake?

   Ada Wong’s voice was changed, with Lily Gao taking on the role, to make her more grounded and less of a caricature. This aligned with the overall shift in tone for the remake. This decision was not based on performance but rather a new delivery for the character.

6. What other voice actors are new to the Resident Evil 4 remake?

   Aside from Leon, Ashley, Ada, and Luis, the remake introduces new voices for characters like Jack Krauser (Mike Kovac) and Albert Wesker (Craig Burnatowski). These changes were part of the overall effort to create a fresh and modernized experience.

7. Is the voice acting in the remake better than the original?

   Whether the voice acting is “better” is subjective. However, most players find that the voice performances in the remake are more nuanced, emotionally engaging, and in line with modern gaming standards.

8. Did any voice actors from other Resident Evil games return for the remake?

   While there are no returning voice actors for the main roles, some voice actors from past titles might have contributed to minor roles, but not in a major way. The focus was on creating a new identity for RE4 Remake.

9. Is there any cut voice content in the RE4 remake?

   Yes, there is some content removed, including Leon’s iconic “No thanks, bro” line when he meets Ramon Salazar, along with the scene where Leon chokes Ada.

10. How old are Leon and Ashley in the RE4 Remake?

    Leon is 27 years old, while Ashley is 20 years old, the same as they were in the original Resident Evil 4.

11. Why does Krauser call Leon a rookie?

    Krauser calls Leon a rookie because Leon was a rookie cop before the events of Resident Evil 2, and he still has a lot to learn in his current line of work with the government, which has put Krauser as his superior.

12. Is there any additional story in the RE4 remake?

    Yes, the remake provides more details on the origin of the Plagas, the history of the region, and Luis’s backstory, plus a helpful rewrite of Krauser’s story.

13. What major content is missing from the RE4 remake?

    Some major content missing includes Ada Wong’s Separate Ways campaign and the U3 boss fight. The original appearances by Ada and Wesker in the Mercenaries mode are also absent.

14. Can you find the Killer7 in the RE4 Remake?

    Yes, the Killer7 magnum can be purchased from the Merchant for 77,700 Pesetas during or after Chapter 13.

15. Is there any kind of after credit scene in the RE4 Remake?

    Yes, the remake features a post-credits scene offering new insights and set up for potential future games, rather than relying on text files as the original game did.

In conclusion, the Resident Evil 4 remake does not utilize the same voice actors as the original game. Instead, it features a completely new cast, with Nick Apostolides, Genevieve Buechner, Lily Gao, Andre Pena, Mike Kovac, and Craig Burnatowski lending their talents to the iconic roles. These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize the game, deliver a more nuanced story, and ultimately create a memorable and fresh experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. The focus of Capcom’s remake was to make the experience feel brand new without simply retreading what came before.