Igon's Meteoric Rise: The Unexpected Stardom of Elden Ring's Dragon-Slaying Warrior

In the vast and captivating world of Elden Ring, a new hero has emerged, capturing the hearts and imaginations of the gaming community. Igon, a dragon-slaying warrior introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, has defied expectations and become an instant fan favorite, despite his fleeting appearance in the game. His venomous takedown of the dread dragon Bayle has left an indelible mark on players, sparking a surge of interest and adoration that has taken even the game's creators by surprise.

Unleashing the Power of Igon: A Surprising Journey for Actor Richard Charles Lintern

Navigating the Uncharted Terrain of Video Game Acting

Richard Charles Lintern, the actor behind the iconic Igon, never anticipated his foray into the world of video games. With a distinguished career spanning movies, television, and theater, Lintern found himself thrust into the unfamiliar realm of Elden Ring, a game that has captivated millions worldwide. Reflecting on his experience, Lintern admits that he was initially unaware of the game's immense popularity and the significance of his role, stating, "I didn't know the game, and I didn't know the status of the game, and I didn't know his status."

Embracing the Challenges of Portraying Igon

Portraying the intense and volatile Igon proved to be a significant departure from Lintern's typical acting range. "Even though I'm an actor and you're expected to be able to adapt to the character that you are playing, usually that adaptation is from zero to ten, or zero to seven," he explains. "In the case of the character that I played in Elden Ring, it was from 0 to 5,000. He was a long way away. He was either dead, or dying, or recovering."

Navigating the Unique Recording Process

The recording process for Igon's lines was a unique and demanding experience for Lintern. He recalls feeling initially perplexed by the character's "largely incomprehensible" ravings, only to have one of the recording staff explain the nuances of video game storytelling. "It's a video game, Richard. Sometimes you defeat the beast, and sometimes the beast defeats you. We need both options," the staff member told him.

Facing the Challenges of Elden Ring's Meticulous Approach

Lintern was struck by the level of detail and attention paid to the recording process, comparing it to his experiences with Shakespearean performances. "There were a lot of people in there… We were doing lines hundreds of times, literally hundreds," he says, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of the experience.

Encountering the Enigmatic Hidetaka Miyazaki

At the center of this intricate recording process was the enigmatic figure of Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president and director of FromSoftware, the studio behind Elden Ring. Lintern was immediately impressed by Miyazaki's presence and influence, describing him as "the mysterious figure in the center of the room" who was "very much in control of the entire operation."

Embracing Igon's Emotional Depth

With a deeper understanding of Igon's role and the community's fondness for the character, Lintern has come to appreciate the depth and complexity of the dragon slayer's journey. "It's a quest of the soul, a quest of morality, and strength, and pain, and terror, and doom," he reflects, recognizing the resonance of Igon's vengeance-fueled performance.

Embracing the Unexpected Stardom

As Lintern grapples with the unexpected stardom of Igon, he has been both amused and impressed by the community's response, including the viral memes that have emerged. "Is that me?" he asked, acknowledging the genius of the fan-created content. Lintern's journey with Igon has been a testament to the power of video game storytelling and the profound impact that even a brief, yet memorable, performance can have on a passionate gaming community.