Marvel Rivals has taken the gaming world by storm as a 6v6 team-based shooter featuring iconic superheroes and villains from the Marvel universe. With its resemblance to other hero-based shooters like Valorant and Overwatch, Marvel Rivals has raised the bar, combining action-packed gameplay with a star-studded voice cast. Voice actors breathe life into these beloved characters, and NetEase has ensured that Marvel Rivals’ roster is voiced by some of the industry’s finest.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the voice actors behind Marvel Rivals’ heroes and villains, highlighting their impressive contributions to gaming and beyond.
A Legendary Roster of Marvel Heroes and Villains
With over 30 characters, Marvel Rivals boasts a rich lineup of fan-favorite heroes and villains, from Spider-Man and Wolverine to Thor and Loki. Players are immersed in the Marvel universe, not only through gameplay but also through the exceptional performances of a star-studded voice cast.
For instance, Brian Bloom reprises his role as Captain America, bringing the iconic superhero to life with his seasoned voice acting expertise. Bloom is a veteran in the industry, known for his roles as Marvel’s Daredevil and DC’s Adam Strange, further solidifying his reputation as a superhero specialist.
Fan-Favorite Voices Return for Marvel Rivals
One of the most anticipated returns is Steve Blum, who lends his unmistakable gravelly voice to both Wolverine and Venom. Blum, celebrated for his portrayal of Wolverine in various animated projects, once again delivers an exceptional performance. His diverse range of roles extends to Starscream in Transformers Prime and Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop, showcasing his incredible versatility.
Laura Bailey also returns to the Marvel universe as Black Widow, a character she has previously voiced in several projects, including LEGO Marvel games and Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers. Bailey is widely recognized for her roles as Abby in The Last of Us Part II and Mary Jane Watson in Insomniac’s Spider-Man series. Her talent extends beyond games as a key player in the popular web series Critical Role.
New Faces and Fresh Performances in Marvel Rivals
While many of Marvel Rivals’ voice actors are returning to roles they’ve mastered, the game also introduces new talent to the Marvel universe. For instance, Daniel Marin takes on the role of Namor, marking his first foray into a Marvel video game. Marin, known for his performances in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and the TV series General Hospital, brings gravitas to the Atlantean king.
Adam Harrington voices Groot, a character requiring subtle yet expressive delivery despite the limited vocabulary of “I am Groot.” Harrington previously portrayed Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series and Fortnite, proving he’s the perfect fit for this fan-favorite role.
Another standout is Sally Amaki, who voices Peni Parker, the high-energy pilot of the SP//dr suit. Amaki, renowned for her work in Overwatch 2 and anime series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, injects vibrancy into the character, making her a joy to encounter in the game.
Iconic Performances From Industry Veterans
NetEase brought in some of the most celebrated names in voice acting to ensure Marvel Rivals delivers an authentic Marvel experience. Nolan North, a veteran of the Marvel universe, returns to voice Rocket Raccoon. North’s impressive resume includes voicing Nathan Drake in Uncharted, Deadpool in Marvel Future Revolution, and The Penguin in the Batman Arkham series.
Troy Baker steps into the mischievous role of Loki, capturing the god of mischief’s cunning and charisma. Baker’s illustrious career includes iconic roles such as Joel in The Last of Us and Sam Drake in Uncharted 4. His portrayal of Loki in Marvel Rivals adds a layer of depth to the character, making him a standout in the roster.
Yuri Lowenthal reprises his role as Spider-Man, continuing his legacy from Insomniac’s Spider-Man games. Lowenthal’s voice lines in Marvel Rivals showcase the witty and lighthearted nature of the character, making him a fan favorite. Beyond Spider-Man, Lowenthal has contributed to numerous blockbuster titles, including Mortal Kombat 1, Helldivers 2, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Critical Role Stars Add Depth to Marvel Rivals
Fans of Critical Role, the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series, will recognize the voices of several cast members in Marvel Rivals. Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham bring their talents to Black Widow and Thor, respectively. Meanwhile, Liam O’Brien provides his voice for Doctor Strange, adding his signature depth and sophistication to the role.
These actors are no strangers to Marvel, having voiced their characters in previous projects like Marvel’s Avengers and animated series. Their continued involvement in Marvel Rivals reinforces the authenticity and consistency of the game’s portrayal of its iconic heroes.
Dynamic Duos and Unique Characters
Marvel Rivals isn’t just about individual heroes—it also brings unique pairings to the forefront. Cloak & Dagger, the inseparable duo from Marvel comics, are voiced by Hakeem Ysaguirre and Xanthe Huynh. Ysaguirre is a rising star, making this his biggest role yet, while Huynh brings her experience from Persona 5 and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Together, their chemistry elevates the characters’ gameplay and narrative appeal.
Similarly, Jon Bailey delivers a standout performance as Jeff the Land Shark, a quirky and beloved character. Known for his work as the voice of Honest Game Trailers, Bailey’s humorous and heartwarming portrayal of Jeff has quickly endeared him to fans of the game.
Spotlight on Women of Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals gives significant attention to its female characters, each brought to life by accomplished voice actors. Judy Alice Lee voices Luna Snow, a relatively new Marvel hero who has gained popularity in recent years. Lee, known for roles in Genshin Impact and Hades 2, captures Luna’s strength and charisma.
Storm, another iconic Marvel character, is voiced by Mara Junot, who reprises the role after Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. Junot’s powerful delivery highlights Storm’s regal and commanding presence, making her a force to be reckoned with in the game.
Kate Higgins brings Scarlet Witch to life, continuing her journey as the character after Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. With her extensive experience in anime and gaming, including roles in Naruto and the Sonic series, Higgins masterfully portrays Wanda Maximoff’s complexity and power.
Veterans Perfectly Cast as Marvel Icons
Fred Tatasciore returns as the voice of the Hulk, a role he has perfected over the years in games like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite and animated series. His portrayal captures the raw strength and rage of the character, while also hinting at the vulnerability of Bruce Banner.
James Mathis III reprises his role as Black Panther, showcasing his commanding voice and regal tone. Having voiced the character in The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Mathis brings continuity and gravitas to T’Challa.
Travis Willingham delivers a thunderous performance as Thor, a role he has played in numerous Marvel projects. His portrayal balances the Asgardian’s godly arrogance with moments of humor and warmth, making Thor a standout in the game.
Marvel Rivals: A Celebration of Voice Acting Excellence
Marvel Rivals isn’t just a game; it’s a showcase of voice acting talent. From veterans who have defined their characters over decades to newcomers making their mark on the Marvel universe, the game’s cast adds unparalleled depth and personality to each hero and villain.
Whether it’s Yuri Lowenthal’s witty Spider-Man, Troy Baker’s charismatic Loki, or Milana Vayntrub’s spirited Squirrel Girl, every character in Marvel Rivals feels authentic and alive. NetEase’s dedication to assembling an all-star voice cast ensures that fans are treated to performances worthy of their favorite Marvel icons.
As Marvel Rivals continues to evolve with new seasons and characters, one thing is certain: its voice cast will remain a key part of its success, creating memorable experiences for players around the world.
