In the world of Metroid Prime, a game largely characterized by its lack of spoken dialogue, a mysterious unused monologue has captured the attention of fans for years. Although we know Samus Aran as the silent protagonist, this piece of dialogue was recorded but never included in the original game. The voice behind it remained a mystery until now.
Unveiling the Voice Behind the Lost Monologue
Reports suggest that Jennifer Hale, renowned for her roles in Mass Effect and Metal Gear Solid, provided the voice for Samus in the Metroid Prime trilogy, known primarily for the character’s grunts and efforts. In a recent discussion, before it was confirmed she would not return for Metroid Prime 4 in 2025, she shed light on the enigmatic monologue left out of the original release.
For those unacquainted, the monologue reads:
“Ten years ago, below the surface of planet Zebes, the mercenaries known as Space Pirates were defeated by interstellar bounty hunter Samus Aran. Descending to the very core of the Pirate stronghold, Samus exterminated the energy-based parasites called Metroids, and defeated Mother Brain, the leader of the Pirate horde. But the’ Space Pirates were far from finished. Several Pirate research vessels were orbiting Zebes while Samus fought on the surface below. After the fall of Mother Brain, the ships escaped, with the hopes of finding enough resources to rebuild their forces, and take their revenge. After discovering a possible Pirate colony on planet Tallon IV, Samus has again prepared for war, hoping to end the Pirate threat forever.”
Contrary to what many might assume, Hale clarified that she did not record these lines. “That’s Vanessa. Vanessa Marshall,” she revealed. Known for her contributions to the Metroid Prime sound library and her roles in Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Star Wars’ Rebels, Marshall’s involvement came as a revelation.
Hale expressed her admiration for Marshall, noting, “I adore Vanessa. I love that we actually shared this role. It’s so crazy, and I’m not sure why. I never remember saying no to this. I would never have said no to doing this. They may have preferred her work. I have no idea.”
The Art of Character Voicing
Although Hale didn’t voice the monologue, she played an essential role in the Metroid Prime trilogy, particularly in crafting Samus’s unique vocalizations. Hale explained the intricacies behind this process, emphasizing the importance of understanding a character’s way of speaking before performing their grunts. “How you grunt is different to how I grunt, to how anyone else grunts,” Hale stated. “It’s very specific. If you are a civilian and you’re grunting, you’re like… [makes surprised grunt noise] because it’s all surprising and it’s all new. If you’ve done it a million times, you’re like [makes short grunt noise], because you’ve gone under fire 1,800 times and you’re used to it.”
Although the introductory narration was omitted from the original Metroid Prime, parts of it were later reused in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with Jay Ward voicing select lines in the game’s soundtrack.
The fate of this monologue remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder if and where it might appear again. Yet, thanks to new insights from Samus herself, pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place. Would you have preferred the narration to remain in the game? The solitary, dialogue-free atmosphere of Metroid Prime is iconic, yet the inclusion of this monologue might have added a “Ripley at the end of Alien” feel to the game. Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more insights into Metroid Prime, explore our comprehensive review of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and to hear more from Jennifer Hale, discover her thoughts on returning to the Mass Effect universe.