Cody Christian, currently captivating audiences in the hit TV show “All American,” has proven his versatility extends beyond the screen. Known for his roles in “Pretty Little Liars” and “Teen Wolf,” Christian has also made a significant impact in the world of voice acting. His portrayal of Cloud Strife in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” earned him a BAFTA nomination for Video Game Performer in a Leading Role, and he continues to bring the beloved character to life in “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.”
As “All American” approaches the conclusion of its sixth season on The CW, Christian opened up about his experience voicing one of the most iconic characters in gaming history.
From Screen to Sound: The Journey Begins
Reflecting on his initial foray into voice acting, Christian shared the unique challenges and pressures he faced. “For the first game, it was… talk about nerves, talk about pressure,” he admitted. “I’ve been a screen actor all my life, so the ability to tell the story truthfully, authentically, with the proper emotion — that’s what I know. But voice acting is a whole different animal.”
The transition from screen to voice acting required Christian to adopt new techniques and immerse himself in a different medium. He recalled the unexpected nature of his audition process: “When I auditioned, it was under an alias, I didn’t know what I was auditioning for. A month goes by, I thought, ‘OK, I blew that. Obviously, I’m not a voice actor.’ And then they hit my line, and they say, ‘Hey, this is what it is, we’d love to have you a part of it, this is the role, this is the project.’”
The revelation that he had landed the role of Cloud Strife sent Christian into “panic mode.” He recognized the immense responsibility of voicing a character that has transcended generations and become a cultural icon. “This is not something that’s like a fly-by-night, and this is also not something that, ‘Oh yeah, take a crack at it, do whatever you want,’” he explained. “There’s due diligence involved. So, the first game was a mixture of excitement, but also, I’m holding my breath here.”
Bringing Cloud to Life: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
With “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” Christian had the opportunity to delve deeper into Cloud’s character, exploring new dimensions and emotional layers. “The second game, we really get to dive in and peel back these layers of this iconic character, and for the first time ever, we also get to see him and this vulnerability,” he said. “That’s never really been exposed, and these emotional depths that he’s never really been taken to.”
Christian’s confidence grew as he continued to embody Cloud. “To be able to go back into the second game, head held high, confident, like, ‘Okay, I know what I’m doing, and I know I can execute…’” he shared. The new script provided him with exciting material to explore, allowing him to bring additional depth and complexity to Cloud’s journey.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cloud Strife
As Christian prepares for the third installment in the series, his enthusiasm remains undiminished. “It [makes] me even more excited to come back and do it a third time because we have one more on the horizon. So, I’m itching to get back in there and bring this guy back to life and continue to explore it,” he revealed.
Christian’s portrayal of Cloud Strife in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” series has not only cemented his status as a talented voice actor but also deepened the emotional resonance of a character beloved by millions. His dedication to the role and his ability to navigate the intricate emotional landscape of Cloud’s story have left an indelible mark on the gaming community.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Cloud’s saga, Cody Christian’s performance continues to set a high bar for video game voice acting, showcasing the profound impact that a skilled actor can have on bringing digital characters to life.
