It was noticed by particularly careful fans that the voice actor for Rhys Strongfork was not Troy Baker. There has been some discussion on Twitter about why that is but answers have finally bubbled to the surface. When asked by VG247 why he would not be returning he said that he wanted to, but was unable because of Gearbox’s position on the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
This union represents voice actors in the US and makes sure that everyone is treated fairly. This is a contradiction of what Gearbox chief Randy Pitchford said when questioned tweeting back in April that Baker “turned it down.”
You’ll have to ask Troy. I was told by the audio director that he turned it down. Fortunately, with how Rhys appears in the game, I don’t think it actually matters at all. You’ll see for yourself when the game comes out and you may disagree with me on that or not.
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 10, 2019
In the same interview with VG247, Baker describes his side of the story. “So they came to me, and they were like, ‘Do you want to do this?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ And then they made it impossible for me to do the role. It had nothing to do with money, it had nothing to do with money. They just simply would not go about doing it the way that we needed it to be done. So then it was like, I never said no,” said Baker.
When asked for clarification Baker did add that “No, it was simply a matter of they wouldn’t go union. And I can’t do a non-union gig.” Members of SAG-AFTRA are not allowed to accept work on a project that has not signed a deal with the union. So despite his love for the character, Baker had to say goodbye to Rhys and move on.
Ray Chase, the voice actor for Noctis in Final Fantasy 15, picked up the mantle brilliantly. Although he is not a perfect match, he added his own twist of personality into the character, making it memorable in the main franchise. It is unknown what Troy Baker has to say about the performance, but many are sure that his comments will be coming in the near future.
I'm honored to announce that I play mustache Rhys in Borderlands 3.
I played all of TftB and greatly admired @TroyBakerVA's hilarious performance – his work is a true inspiration to me! I'm not a perfect voice match, but a new interpretation.
I sincerely hope you enjoy! pic.twitter.com/nbgESmBOXv
— Ray Chase (@RayChase) May 1, 2019
So far reviews have come back positive for Borderlands 3 and although the voice actor has changed fan’s love for the character has not. Players were happy to see the return of Rhys as they ventured further into the unknown.
Borderlands 3 is still available for purchase on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Although it is sold purely in the Epic Games store on PC, you will have a chance to buy it on Steam come April of 2020. This wonderful title brings together everything that fans have loved from the series so far, with new surprises hidden around every corner.
