Barret's Voice Actor, John Eric Bentley, Reflects on Black History Month and Gaming's Future
Voice actor John Eric Bentley discusses the significance of Black History Month, his role as Barret Wallace, and his aspirations for the future of video games.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is now available for fans to enjoy. As Black History Month comes to a close, voice actor John Eric Bentley, who plays Barret Wallace in FF7, shared his thoughts on his character, Black History Month, and his hopes for the video game industry.
In an interview with Square Enix, Bentley talked about the real-life Black heroes who inspire him. He mentioned his parents and other family members who were educators involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, he highlighted Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Malcolm X as individuals who hold personal significance for him.
Bentley expressed his amazement and comfort in seeing a Black character like Barret Wallace in the original Final Fantasy 7. He appreciated that Barret was not portrayed as a Black character who suddenly dies. Bentley emphasized the importance of not portraying Barret as a caricature, wanting to represent the different levels and layers of him as a man. He wanted to ensure that Barret was not just seen as an angry Black man, but as a complex character with depth and nuance.
In his portrayal of Barret, Bentley carefully considered the dynamics of Barret's relationships with other characters in the game, such as Marlene and his team. He also delved deeper into the interactions between Barret and characters like Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith, adding more depth to the overall narrative. Bentley wanted to show the audience that Barret was more than just a stereotype and that he had a multifaceted personality beyond just being a polygon figure who gets angry.
Bentley celebrates Black History Month by reading older books, watching films about Black Civil Rights members, and using the internet to find information that was not easily accessible before. He hopes to see more African Americans represented in independent games alongside the anime community and industry as a whole.
For other Black professionals or students interested in the games industry, Bentley advises studying, taking classes, networking with other professionals, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and exploring the genres you are passionate about. He encourages taking the leap with wisdom and preparedness, because with hard work, it is achievable!
Be sure to check out our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review.
Editor's P/S:
The article eloquently highlights the significance of Black representation in popular media, particularly in video games. John Eric Bentley's insights as the voice actor of Barret Wallace in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth provide a unique perspective on the importance of authentic and nuanced portrayals of Black characters. Bentley's passion for his craft and his commitment to representing the complexities of Black identity are inspiring.
The article also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing Black professionals in the video game industry. Bentley's advice to aspiring game developers emphasizes the value of education, networking, and self-awareness. His message of encouragement and support underscores the need for diversity and inclusion in this rapidly evolving field. The article serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing need to break stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and create a truly inclusive gaming landscape.
