Matthew Mercer Unveils His Shock at Voicing Vincent Valentine in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: A Dream Come True

Matthew Mercer, renowned for his voice acting prowess and notably for bringing to life Vincent Valentine in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, shared his astonishment upon discovering the iconic character he was set to voice. In the original Final Fantasy 7, Vincent Valentine was an enigmatic figure whose participation was not guaranteed, depending on the player's actions. Nevertheless, his significant backstory and role in the game's broader universe cemented his status as a beloved character, eagerly anticipated by fans in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

The confirmation of Vincent Valentine's appearance in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth came through a pre-launch trailer in September, sparking speculation among fans that Matthew Mercer was behind the voice of the tormented ex-Turk, even before the official announcement. Mercer, celebrated for his role as the Dungeon Master in Critical Role and numerous video game characters, including Yusuke Kitagawa in Persona 5 and Ganondorf in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, was recognized as a perfect match for Vincent's complex persona.

During Square Enix’s "Inside Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth" series, Mercer, alongside other English voice actors, delved into their experiences. Mercer revealed his initial ignorance of being cast as Vincent, thinking he was brought in for NPC roles. The moment he discovered his true role, captured on video, showed his genuine surprise and delight.

Describing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as a dream project, Mercer reflected on his long-standing admiration for Final Fantasy 7 and his aspirations to contribute to its remake since beginning his voice acting career. He highlighted Vincent's significance within the narrative as a stark reminder of Shinra's dark past.

Before his involvement in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Mercer lent his voice to minor characters in previous installments, such as the 2020 Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The revelation of his role as Vincent Valentine in the recording studio marked a pivotal moment, transitioning from voicing minor roles to embodying one of the saga's most iconic figures. As fans enjoy Mercer's portrayal of Vincent Valentine in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, anticipation grows for his potential return in the upcoming installment of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.