The gaming world is buzzing with a surprising development in the upcoming Metroid Prime 4. The iconic voice of Samus, previously brought to life by the renowned Jennifer Hale, has been replaced. This change was uncovered in the new game’s credits.
Throughout the years, a variety of actors have lent their voices to Samus, with Hale being the most notable, having voiced the character in Metroid Prime 1, 2, and 3. However, fans expecting her return for Metroid Prime 4 might be astonished to learn that Erin Yvette is now credited as the new voice of Samus, according to reports.
Meet the New Voice Behind Samus
For those diving into Metroid Prime 4, the voice of Samus may seem familiar. Erin Yvette, known for roles such as Snow White in The Wolf Among Us and Alex in Oxenfree, has taken over the mantle. She is also featured as Blonde Blazer in Dispatch.
The shift in voice roles is not an isolated event for Nintendo. In recent years, the company has replaced several long-standing voice actors, including Charles Martinet, the voice behind Mario and Luigi. Samantha Kelly, known for Princess Peach and Toad, was informed of her replacement on the launch day of Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the release of Mario Kart World. Takashi Nagasako, who voiced Donkey Kong for over two decades, also saw his role recast with the new console’s debut.
A Legacy of Voices
Jennifer Hale, reflecting on her contributions as Samus, revealed she has no memory of recording for Metroid Prime 4. “I don’t know,” Hale confessed. “I have no recollection of recording it or signing a contract, so it could be no.” She explained the common industry practice of using code names during projects, which can make recalling specific roles challenging.
Hale emphasized how essential it is to understand a character’s voice, even when only providing grunts or noises. “It’s very specific,” she noted, highlighting how her experience shaped her performances across different roles.
Her impressive resume spans numerous iconic characters, including Rivet in Ratchet and Clank, Naomi Hunter in Metal Gear Solid, and Rosalind Lutece in BioShock Infinite. However, her portrayal of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect remains one of her most celebrated roles. Despite no official invitation for Mass Effect 5 yet, Hale expressed her eagerness to return to the series.
The Future of Metroid Prime 4
The latest chapter in the Metroid saga has arrived with some mixed reactions regarding its new features. Despite these changes, Metroid Prime 4 has been lauded as a triumphant return for the franchise. Its new voice cast, led by Erin Yvette, adds an exciting layer to the game, ensuring fans have much to look forward to as they embark on Samus’s latest adventure.