Legendary actor Andy Serkis has nothing but praise for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, highlighting the game's incredible production value and emotional depth. As a member of the award-winning cast for the 2025 Game of the Year winner, Serkis expressed immense pride in the project's final result during a recent interview with Variety.

The Visual and Emotional Impact of Expedition 33

Serkis was immediately struck by the presentation of the title. He noted that the game’s aesthetic and narrative elements stand out even among high-end cinematic productions.

"What a video game, and I'm so thrilled with how it turned out for these guys because I love the idea of it, but I love the visuals of it," Serkis remarked. "I thought it was beautiful. I am so thrilled for their success. It's such an emotional story for a video game, and it just looks extraordinary, and the music in it is so powerful."

Breaking Down Hollywood's Snobbery Towards Video Games

Beyond the quality of Expedition 33, Serkis addressed a shifting cultural tide regarding how Hollywood perceives the gaming industry. He noted that while actors previously showed disinterest in voice acting or motion capture roles, modern talent now views video games as a prestigious career goal.

Serkis also pointed out the technical convergence between the two mediums, specifically regarding video game engines. These tools are no longer just for players; they have become essential to the filmmaking process by allowing directors to:

  • Pre-visualize complex action sequences.
  • Help cinematographers plan intricate shots.
  • Experiment with digital light sources and environments.

"There has always been that snobbery that video games not being anywhere near filmmaking, but that's all changing and certainly looking into the future when we have more immersive storytelling, which is what's happening," Serkis stated.

A Legacy of Performance Capture

Serkis’ advocacy for the medium is rooted in his own history with performance capture. While globally recognized for his iconic role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, he has long been a pioneer in digital acting. His work on the Planet of the Apes trilogy further demonstrated the potential of high-fidelity digital performances.

His transition into gaming isn't new, either. Serkis previously played a massive role in Ninja Theory’s Heavenly Sword, where he served as an actor, writer, and motion capture director.

This trend of "A-list" involvement is becoming the industry standard. With stars like Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba taking on prominent roles, and Hideo Kojima utilizing actors like Norman Reedus in Death Stranding, the line between cinema and gaming continues to blur. As massive hits like The Last of Us and Fallout dominate television, the influence of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and similar titles on the broader entertainment landscape is only set to grow.