Introduction to Andrew Wincott’s Role as Raphael
Andrew Wincott, whose captivating performance as the smooth-talking devil Raphael in Baldur’s Gate 3, has left an indelible mark on the RPG. His portrayal brought an unexpected musical element to a game not known for musical numbers, which became one of the game’s distinct highlights.
Misconception About the Game Being a Musical
During an interview with Larian Studios’ writing director Adam Smith, a fascinating anecdote was shared. When meeting Andrew Wincott in person for the first time, Smith showed him a YouTube video of Wincott’s boss theme performance, which had already garnered over a million views. Confused, Wincott asked, “My god, are the other actors’ songs as popular? Was it not a musical?” He genuinely believed that Baldur’s Gate 3 was a musical, a testament to his full immersion in the role.
The Musical Number in House of Hope
One of the standout moments for many players was Raphael’s musical number in the House of Hope dungeon. For this performance, Wincott teamed up with Mariya Anastasova, who had also performed other notable songs in the game, including the hauntingly beautiful ‘Down by the River.’ This unlikely performance, Wincott’s first foray into singing on the job, became a fan favorite.
Raphael and House of Hope’s Evolution
Throughout the development process, both Raphael and the House of Hope underwent significant changes. Originally, Raphael was a much more active character known as The Monitor, constantly surveilling the party. Players would have had the ability to control the House of Hope, traversing the Nine Hells. However, these elements were refined, leading to the memorable final portrayal of Raphael.
In conclusion, while Baldur’s Gate 3 may not be a musical, Andrew Wincott’s performance as Raphael added a unique and unforgettable musical flair. Though Larian Studios is moving on to new RPG projects, the legacy of Raphael’s performance continues to entertain and surprise fans.
