Few pieces of media show off the broad range of properties held by Warner Bros. in the way that MultiVersus does. The game is full of wacky characters like Adventure Time's Finn and Jake, as well as Looney Tunes star Bugs Bunny, but Game of Thrones' Arya Stark is in the game as well, representing the more adult side of WB media. Leaks and known plans suggest MultiVersus will only get wilder, with Rick and Morty content trickling in already. However, LeBron James' inclusion might be the most important, considering the fact that he's based on a real person, rather than one of WB's purely fictional characters.
The LeBron James in MultiVersus isn't exactly the same person as the real athlete, since he's based on James' role as the protagonist of Space Jam: A New Legacy. Nevertheless, it's baffling to see a real-life celebrity become playable in MultiVersus alongside some of the most iconic fictional characters WB has access to. As strange as this appearance is, it also presents a remarkable opportunity for MultiVersus. While the game will presumably keep building its success on the backs of fictional characters, fighters based on real people could be an entertaining way to diversify the character pool and set MultiVersus further apart from competitors.
Why MultiVersus Could Use More Real-Life Inspiration
James' addition to MultiVersus ought to be imitated because it's simply not something that AAA fighting games tend to do. There are plenty of logical reasons that fighting games don't often feature real people -- licensing the voice and appearance of a real person is likely a tall task, for one. MultiVersus has somehow secured a deal with LeBron James for a major in-game role anyway, even if James' fighter is voiced by John Bentley rather than the real athlete. LeBron James makes the MultiVersus roster feel special by breaking up the cartoon- and superhero-dominated game with a surprising character concept.
Beyond MultiVersus' roster, LeBron James' appearance makes the game unique in the platform fighter space. MultiVersus already works hard to set itself apart through character perks, classes, and an emphasis on multiplayer, but comparisons to Super Smash Bros. and other members of the genre are still common. Real celebrities as player characters could be the extra trait that MultiVersus needs to truly stand out in the crowd. Warner Bros. has the reach and resources to bring more people into the game, so it ought to invest in this valuable potential characteristic of the roster.
Possible Additions to MultiVersus
If Warner Bros. Interactive intends to put more real people in MultiVersus, then the best resources to turn to are likely Warner Bros. Discovery's entertainment services, such as HBO and Discovery Plus. For instance, HBO has a variety of talk shows whose hosts could be fun additions to the fighting game's lineup. John Oliver of Last Week Tonight could inspire a great personality-driven fighter similar to Velma Dinkley. A host from one of Discovery Plus' many travel or cooking shows might also be an entertaining addition to MultiVersus.
Historical fiction from these streaming services also seems like a solid source of inspiration. Perhaps the best example is HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death, the highly popular fictionalized account of the life of Stede Bonnet the Gentleman Pirate and his relationship with the notorious Blackbeard. Either Bonnet or Blackbeard would be a great addition to MultiVersus that draws from real life while stirring hype for the show's next season.
MultiVersus leaks haven't indicated that any of these real people will join the game anytime soon, but based on how successful MultiVersus is so far, Player First Games and Warner Bros. Interactive might be willing to take some risks down the line. LeBron James is a clever addition to the roster, and he deserves to pick up some possible teammates from the real world.
MultiVersus is available now in open beta for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
