Andy Serkis Celebrates the Rise of Gaming in Hollywood with Expedition 33
Famous for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, Andy Serkis recently shared his excitement about the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. As a key player in this award-winning title, which snagged the Game of the Year honor in 2025, Serkis couldn’t be more proud of its impressive outcome. In a chat with Variety, he reflected on his journey to landing the role and couldn’t help but rave about the evolution of the gaming world.
“What a video game! I’m absolutely thrilled with how it turned out for everyone involved. The concept is fantastic, and the visuals are stunning,” he exclaimed. Serkis highlighted the emotional storyline that sets the game apart, emphasizing its breathtaking graphics and powerful soundtrack. “It’s such an emotional story for a video game, and it just looks extraordinary,” he added.
Serkis went on to discuss the shifting perception of video games in Hollywood. He noted that while many actors previously turned their noses up at gaming roles, young talents are now eager to land parts in this medium. He pointed out that video game technology has become an integral part of filmmaking, especially in pre-visualizing intense action scenes and assisting cinematographers in planning their shots.
“There has always been that snobbery around video games, but that’s changing. We’re moving toward a future where immersive storytelling is becoming the norm,” he stated, highlighting the positive trajectory of the industry.
Having lent his talents to several video games over the years, including various titles in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Ninja Theory’s Heavenly Sword, Serkis is a firm believer in the power of performance capture. His iconic portrayal of Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films not only showcased his unique skills but also made him a strong advocate for this innovative technology.
Serkis’ remarks resonate with the current trend, as big names like Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba are taking on significant roles in gaming projects. Renowned director Hideo Kojima, known for games like Death Stranding, often collaborates with A-list actors to enrich his storytelling style.
Moreover, video games are increasingly influencing film and television, with adaptations like The Last of Us and Fallout becoming critically acclaimed series on platforms like HBO and Amazon. With Clair Obscur also being developed into a film, actors like Charlie Cox, who voiced Gustave in the game, are eager to join the cinematic journey.
In this ever-evolving landscape, Andy Serkis stands at the forefront, championing the recognition and respect that video games are beginning to earn in the broader entertainment industry.