John Eric Bentley, the talented actor who portrays Barret Wallace in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, recently shared insights into the character’s role in the upcoming sequel and his thoughts on the original depiction. Bentley expressed his initial surprise at encountering a Black character in an RPG like Final Fantasy. He mentioned how he expected the character to meet a tragic end, only to be pleasantly surprised when that did not happen. This revelation drew him in and made him deeply connect with the character from the original game.
In his approach to reprising the role of Barret, Bentley aimed to infuse more depth and authenticity into the character’s portrayal. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond a stereotypical depiction of an angry Black man, avoiding the one-dimensional portrayal often associated with polygonal characters from the past. Bentley highlighted the significance of showcasing Barret’s multifaceted personality, particularly in his interactions with other party members like Marlene, Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith.
One of the key aspects Bentley discussed was delving deeper into Barret’s relationships with various party members in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. He touched upon the character’s paternal instincts towards Tifa, his leadership dynamics with Jessie and Wedge, and the budding bromance with Red XIII, promising an exciting narrative arc in the upcoming sequel. Bentley hinted at exploring Barret’s complex and poignant backstory, suggesting that players would uncover more about the character’s past and the challenges he faces in the game.
As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is poised to deliver a gripping and emotionally charged experience, Bentley teased that the game would address some heavy themes and unfold impactful storylines involving Barret. He alluded to the character going through significant challenges and emotionally intense moments, hinting at the possibility of revisiting some of the most poignant scenes from the original game. With the upcoming release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on February 29, fans can anticipate a narrative rich in depth, emotional resonance, and character development, showcasing Barret Wallace in a new and compelling light.
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