Neil Newbon, the actor who portrays Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, revealed in an interview that he was unaware his character’s model would be used in the controversial “bear scene” in the game.
The “bear scene” became infamous after it was revealed during the game’s Panel From Hell event. In this optional sex scene, Astarion, the High-Elf Rogue, engages with Halsin, a Druid with the ability to morph into a bear. What starts as a conventional intimate scene takes an unexpected turn as Halsin transforms into a bear, leading to a surprising and bizarre encounter.
During the interview, Newbon mentioned that he had actually directed Dave Jones, the actor who plays Halsin, in that bear scene. However, he was surprised to discover that his character, Astarion, was used as the model for the scene when he saw the final result.
Newbon also praised Larian Studios for its commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment for actors, including the use of intimacy directors for such scenes. He mentioned that the studio flagged every intimate session and offered an intimacy director if needed to ensure that both actors and crew members were comfortable during the filming process.
Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is known for its player choices and consequences, including romance options. The game provides players with a high degree of freedom, allowing them to engage in various relationships and interactions with other characters, resulting in different outcomes and consequences.
