The Game Awards saw the debut of a new Baldur's Gate 3 trailer that featured the return of fan-favorite Minsc, and Larian has finally confirmed the voice behind the character. An iconic ranger who played a prominent role in the first two Baldur's Gate games, Minsc is beloved by the fandom for his endearingly simple pursuit of heroism, as well as the banter with his adorable hamster sidekick Boo. Though players have long speculated that Minsc would be the ranger companion of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian unveiled that Jaheira would be joining Minsc as well for one last adventure on the Sword Coast.The years following the events in Throne of Bhaal have not been kind to Minsc, who spent a great deal of time petrified in stone, losing much of the strength he accumulated over the course of the Bhaalspawn Saga. When players seemingly come across Minsc in Baldur's Gate 3, he breaks out of a mimic chest to exact vengeance on the Cult of the Absolute who imprisoned him there. Ever since the rumors of his return started to take shape, fans wondered if Jim Cummings would reprise his role as Minsc.In a surprising turn of events, it would seem that Larian Studios has chosen Matt Mercer of Critical Role fame in favor of Jim Cummings to voice the legendary ranger. Matt Mercer becoming the voice of Minsc was unveiled at a Baldur's Gate 3 livestream today, in addition to a Twitter post on the official Baldur's Gate 3 account. While this may come as a disappointment to some, there is a very good explanation why Larian Studios changed the voice actor for Minsc.
The first impressions of Matt Mercer in the role have been positive, as his Minsc voice seems very respectful towards the original spirited performance of Jim Cummings. The reason why Larian may have passed on Cummings could be related to the marital controversy he was embroiled in back in 2019. Though Cummings was fully cleared of the allegations, it may have been enough for Larian to want to go in a different direction, as the development of Baldur's Gate 3 was kicking into full gear and difficult choices had to be made.
In addition to confirming the voice actor for Minsc on the livestream, Baldur's Gate 3 released the final patch of Early Access at the same time. Paladins are making their way to the Sword Coast before launch, and Baldur's Gate 3 players will be able to make their protagonist non-binary with the addition of new character creation options. While Minsc will not feature in Early Access, players should expect to meet him in August, when they finally make their way to the city of Baldur's Gate.
Baldur's Gate 3 is releasing in August 2023 on PC.