Nacon and Spiders Studio have shared a new behind-the-scenes video on the development of the narrative RPG GreedFall: The Dying World. The video features Neil Newbon, the actor well-known for, among other things, his iconic role as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, and who voices Kurnaz, the game’s main antagonist. Currently available in Early Access on Steam, GreedFall: The Dying World will be released in its final version on March 10, 2026, on PC and on March 12, 2026, on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Finding the voice of a complex and formidable antagonist

Kurnaz can be a very cold and charismatic man. Highly intelligent, he knows exactly how to manipulate others to get what he wants. Coming from a modest background, he suffers from a certain Napoleonic complex, leading him to believe that he is superior to others.  Above all, Kurnaz is characterized by his unwavering determination, which enables him to crush anyone who stands in his way. About Kurnaz, Neil Newbon says: “I think that confronting and defeating such an enigmatic adversary, who exercises relentless control and represents the ultimate threat to freedom, will give players a tremendous sense of accomplishment.”

As for his interpretation of the character, Neil Newbon says he worked extensively with Damien Goodwin, who was the Performance Director on set. The two decided to give Kurnaz a sophisticated accent, but one that could betray his origins at times. In addition, actor Jason Isaacs served as a reference for Kurnaz’s voice (Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter saga, Timothy Rattliff in season 3 of The White Lotus, etc.). Neil Newbon explains: “Even though the character is the main antagonist in the game, it was important for me not to portray him as a caricatured ‘villain‘. I’m not here to judge him, but to tell his story.”

The exciting challenge of playing a character who is nothing like us

Although Neil Newbon notes that he and Kurnaz are radically different, the actor explains that they share one quality: unwavering determination that keeps them focused on their goals. He adds, “However, I find that playing a character who is very different from yourself is an exciting challenge for an actor, because it forces you to better understand the character and avoids an overly caricatured interpretation.”

A surprising supporting role

Neil Newbon also voices another character who is diametrically opposed to Kurnaz: Ingo. This secondary character can be likened to the Falstaff archetype in Shakespeare’s plays: a bit cowardly and opportunistic, yet full of humor. The actor particularly enjoys taking on several roles in the same production, including a lead and a supporting role. This allows him to get a fresher perspective on his roles and try more original things with the secondary character. He adds: “Our references for his voice were a mix of Peter Ustinov, Sir Ian McKellen, and Sir Patrick Stewart. We had a lot of fun with this character, and I’d be curious to know if players will immediately recognize my voice when they meet Ingo!”

GreedFall: The Dying World is a narrative RPG that starts three years before the events of the first game. This time, you play as a native of Teer Fradee, uprooted by force from your island and taken to the continent of Gacane, the homeland of the renaigsa (‘foreigners’ in Yecht Fradí, the language of the natives from Teer Fradee). In this old world, in a constant state of conflict and ravaged by the Malichor plague and by the political scheming of various factions, you must regain your freedom and forge your own destiny. Tackle each challenge you face through diplomacy, cunning, or your combat skills, and alongside your newfound allies, put an end to the dark schemes that threaten the continent and your island.

GreedFall: The Dying World is currently available in early access on PC (Steam)and will launch on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 in 2026, when the game fully exits early access.