Dion Actor Reveals Thrilling Insights on his Final Fantasy 16 Character, LGBTQ+ Representation, and Beyond!
Dive into an insightful interview with Dion Actor, as he delves into the depths of his Final Fantasy 16 character, shedding light on captivating relationships, profound ideals, and his incredible portrayal of a legendary dragoon, while championing representation for queer players
The Final Fantasy dragoons have a rich history, with notable characters like Kain, Cid, Freya, and Estinien leaving a lasting impact on the franchise. In the latest installment, Final Fantasy 16, Dion Lesage takes on the role of the key dragoon, known as the Dominant of Bahamut.
However, Dion is more than just a dragoon. He is a prince, a tragic hero, a symbol of righteousness for his people, and notably, the first openly gay main character in the Final Fantasy series. His character portrayal encompasses all these aspects, with each being equally important to the overall persona of Dion in Final Fantasy 16's narrative.
Stewart Clarke, the actor who brought Dion to life, recently discussed his experience in an interview with Game Rant. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Q: How did you feel about witnessing Dion's story as a player?
A: To be honest, I don't currently own a PS5, so I haven't had the opportunity to play it myself. However, I've been following the story through streamers, specifically Esfand, Hollow, and RogersBase, who I watched most of it with. It was quite enjoyable to experience the intense moments of the story along with the streamers and the interactions in their chat. My birthday is approaching, so maybe it's the perfect time to finally get the new console. It would be a great excuse!
Q: As the actor, what insight can you share into who Dion is?
What was it like portraying the first openly gay protagonist in a Final Fantasy game?
A: It is a great privilege and a significant responsibility. When I came across the script, I was filled with enthusiasm as I knew it provided an opportunity to portray this aspect of Dion's character authentically and treat it with the respect it deserves. Dion's sexuality does not define him entirely, but it is an undeniable part of who he is. His relationship with Terence serves as yet another heartbreaking example of Dion's selflessness and his willingness to prioritize others over his own happiness. It is vital and exhilarating to have characters like Dion who are not ambiguously portrayed, where their sexuality is not open to interpretation, but rather presented as an undeniable fact. It is crucial that everyone gets to see themselves represented in the media they enjoy.
Q: Which scene did you enjoy the most while acting in Final Fantasy 16?
A: In terms of sheer spectacle, I would say the intense battle with Bahamut. I didn't have any dialogue in that scene, so I had only witnessed the preparation and aftermath during the recording process. Watching the entire sequence unfold felt surreal. Additionally, I found great satisfaction in observing the final version of the emotional scene where Dion and Terrence part ways. They managed to capture a significant amount of our facial expressions in that scene, which was extremely gratifying since there was a lot of implied meaning. And then they decided to enhance the experience by playing Dion's theme throughout. Needless to say, it was a tear-jerking moment!
A: It felt incredibly significant to have the opportunity to portray an iconic Final Fantasy dragoon. The audition process for video games is highly secretive, with everything given code names, making it difficult to know exactly what you're auditioning for. When I landed the role and received the complete description, I realized I would not only be playing a dragoon, but also a dominant character of Bahamut himself. It was a mind-blowing revelation. As a longtime fan of Final Fantasy, being part of a franchise that includes legendary characters like Kain and Estinien is a true honor.
Dion's complex relationships, especially with his father, greatly influenced my approach to his character. The tragedy lies in his deep love and respect for his father, who he once knew. However, life often forces us to confront the fact that people change, and Dion's feelings towards his father have transformed as well. A particular line that impacted Dion profoundly was, "For better or worse, His Radiance speaks his own mind." It is a heartbreaking experience to witness one's own father descending into darkness, while desperately hoping for a simple explanation like malevolent magic. However, life rarely offers such convenient answers.
Q: Dion seems to really care for the medicine girl who heals him. How does he view her?
A: The dynamics of Dion's relationship with Terence can be explored in more detail.
In an ideal world, would it be fair to say that Dion, Terence, and the medicine girl could form a family? How do you perceive those scenes?
A: Considering Dion's single-minded dedication to serving the Empire, it seems unlikely that he would have allowed himself to entertain thoughts of starting a family. Such a commitment might have strained his ability to effectively fulfill his role as a Prime, with little regard for his own safety. Nevertheless, if circumstances were different, Dion and Terence would undoubtedly excel as fathers. In an ideal world, they would be extraordinarily fortunate to have someone as endlessly kind and resourceful as Medicine Girl as their daughter! I can envision Terence possessing the foresight to relocate Medicine Girl far from Twinside, prior to the emergence of Origin. Regardless of Dion's presence, they are determined to make the most of their lives in the new Valisthea.
A: It's truly amazing to see the immense fan response and love for Dion. He is a character with deep complexities and a true tragic hero. It brings me so much joy to receive numerous messages from people expressing how deeply moved they have been by his journey in the game. When I first read the script, I could sense that Dion had a compelling and intricate backstory despite the limited time we get to spend with him. If there is enough interest and support from fans, perhaps we'll have the opportunity to explore more of his story in the future. Fingers crossed for Square Enix!
A: Are there any entertaining behind-the-scenes anecdotes you'd like to share?
Do you have any other aspects of your experience with Dion and FF16 that you would like to discuss? I simply wish that we had the opportunity to witness the semi-primed Dion Bahamut form. Fan artists, I encourage you to share your interpretations with me!
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Final Fantasy 16 is available on PS5.
