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With Final Fantasy VII remake having been out for some time, now seems like the best time to look back on Square Enix’s accomplishments from the start of the year, with the “game of the year” discussions taking place at many outlets. One of the most notable aspects of the remake is the English voice cast, which includes John Eric Bentley as the voice of AVALANCHE frontman Barret Wallace. ComicBook.com had the opportunity to chat with Bentley via email earlier this year about everything Final Fantasy VII remake from the little victory band to historical critiques of Barret Wallace as a character. He’s, of course, delighted to have provided the voice to the character, as expected, but some of his responses might surprise you!
Yes Final Fantasy VII remake happens to be your first experience with the Bentley voice, you may find it is not. Bentley has been doing this kind of work since 1996 and has a long list of credits to its name, voiceovers and the like. For example, he voiced Varys Truss in Promar, Sonada in Baki, Tiger claw in Sailor moon, and was featured in Digimon, Red Dead Redemption, Call of Duty, and more.
Final Fantasy VII remake, if you didn’t already know, is available for PlayStation 4. It’s unclear how many games the Final Fantasy VII remake will be composed of, because we know that it will be published in separate pieces. You can check out all of our previous title coverage here. And read on for our full interview with Bentley!
Warning: beyond this point there are spoilers for Final Fantasy VII remake.
ON RECEPTION OF THE GAME
ComicBook.com: Congratulations on the game’s success! What do you think of the reception so far, and in particular your role in the game?
John Eric Bentley: The reception was impressive and very humbling. I’m aware that most people are happy with my character for a variety of reasons, while others have mixed opinions. Hope everyone who plays the FF7 remake can see the character arcs and enjoy and appreciate the game and all of our hard work.
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ON FAMILIARITY WITH THE FRANCHISE
How familiar are you with the source material? Did you go back and play the original game or watch the anime movie or whatever?
I’m quite familiar with the history, gameplay, and storyline of FF7 the original, as well as the remake. I played the original in 1997 and that’s when I started to enjoy RPGs. I mean come on, a black character in an RPG video game who is a leader and doesn’t die !!! Yay in Square then and hurray in Square Enix now !!
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ON THE REACTION TO GET THE PART
How did you find out you had the role and what was your reaction?
I found out through Skylark’s casting director, who playfully broke the news to me saying … “are you sitting down?” She knew I was nervous and thought I didn’t get it when I anxiously called to find out if any casting decisions had been made. I desperately wanted the part and know how blessed I was to get it!
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ON BARRET’S PREVIOUS CRITICS
The portrayal of Barret in the various iterations of the franchise has always been concerned that he represents some sort of stereotype. Were you aware of this review, and if so, has it changed your approach to the character?
I was very aware of the concerns that many had about the character. As a black man living in America, I wanted to represent my people, my race, my culture, my family and myself with all the dignity, strength, compassion, leadership and pride that I could. I wanted to make sure Barret was not presented as a caricature or a stereotype. All of this is what I did, while trying to take the player with the start, middle and end of Barret’s journey, as well as the story arc.
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ON THE MANY SIDES OF THE BARRET
It is particularly moving right now that Barret is leading a group of eco-terrorists against an evil society. But he’s also a father. And a friend. How did you manage to bring all these different aspects of the character together as a voice actor?
That’s just it, Barret has many facets. He has so much more to do, with so many hats he has to wear as a black lead in an amazing game with an awesome story! I had to make sure to draw on my own life experiences, study, research and DO THE WORK AS AN ACTOR, to avoid him being portrayed as an angry black man with a gun for his arm. He really is more than he appears to be.
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BY REALLY PLAYING THE GAME
Did you give Final Fantasy 7 remake a go again?
Yes, although between work and being a husband and father (and my sons taking my PS4 to play) I haven’t gone as far as I would like.
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HEARING IT LIKE BARRET FOR THE FIRST TIME
How did you feel to hear yourself in this iconic role for the first time?
Humiliating and emotional! When I played the first demo, it was such a strange thing to hear my work constantly doing the first mission. I was at E3 and gave the controller to my son, and I walked around and really enjoyed watching other people play and have a good time! I love seeing people happy and it was such a pleasure to know that I was part of their joy!
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SINGING VICTORY
You have to ask yourself: how many times have you sung the little victory theme?
Oh … I don’t remember, but since I knew Final Fantasy and a lot of its music, I got it pretty well.
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ON RECORDING DIFFICULT SCENES
What were some of the most difficult scenes to record in the game?
There weren’t many that I would rate difficult, I tried to make sure I was ready for each session. The emotional scenes I had to prepare for because I wanted to be successful. The compassion and empathy Barret needed in addition to being a strong and turbulent leader was important. I would say the hardest thing was to come in and be as energetic, as strong, as gruff, with that voice for 4 hour sessions, that was the challenge!
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ON FAVORITE SCENES TO RECORD
What are some of your favorite scenes to record in the game?
Hmmm, Favorites … The marching band, the stairs, All the scenes with or about Marlene, the improved songs and the bickering with Cloud.
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ON RETURN POSSIBLE FOR MORE
Nothing has been announced regarding details, but we do know Square Enix is working on other entries for Final Fantasy 7 remake. Are you looking forward to coming back?
I am always excited about the period of work potential! I love playing in the original version!
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ON THE CLOUD AND THE BARRET
Speaking of a comeback, one of the most popular questions related to Barret is whether it will be available as a Gold Saucer date for Cloud in future entries. What do you think of Cloud and Barret’s relationship in this game as a voice actor?
Cloud and Barret’s relationship is one that evolves and is dynamic, like all the characters in this game.
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ON CURRENT VIDEO GAMES
Obviously, with the pandemic and everything, people are spending a lot of time indoors. Are you playing games at the moment? Something you are looking forward to?
Meanwhile, I’m playing FF7 the Remake, Yakuza, and the last Tomb Raider that I never finished. I also play a few others. In fact, I have tried to find ways to stay active. My creativity is boosted when I hike, kayak, cycle, play hoops, etc. I love to be outside!
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ON WHICH HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING
What are you working on now?
Sadly I’m not allowed to say that at the moment for most jobs, but IMDB shows a list of everything that has been advertised … but be aware of this … I’m still working, thank goodness! ??❤️
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