There are a lot of exciting legacy characters from previous Resident Evil games who have earned the adoration they receive from fans. With Resident Evil still in the height of its remake trend it is increasingly likely that characters like Ada Wong will get reintroduced in future installments. Leon S. Kennedy has not been in a mainline Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 6, for example, but has been revitalized through the modern remakes of Resident Evil 2 and the recently released Resident Evil 4, which could be the last time fans see Leon for some time.
It was also great to see Claire Redfield again after her last appearance in Resident Evil Revelations 2, Jill Valentine after her last appearance in Resident Evil 5, and Ada Wong after her last appearance in Resident Evil 6. Ada in particular has always been a sly, enigmatic character whose allegiance is typically questionable, and her callousness is even more embellished as a cold and calculated quality in her Resident Evil 4 role; at least, that's how she likes to be perceived. However, the remake features Lily Gao's voice for Ada rather than Jolene Andersen, which shakes things up.
Resident Evil 4 Remake’s Ada Actor is a Big Shift for RE2 Remake Fans
Resident Evil 2’s remake was a franchise turning point and established a lot of what makes Resident Evil popular and successful today. Because it is now considered a seminal entry for Resident Evil, it is not surprising that its assets, character models, and character depictions have also become instantly iconic. Players will continue to see these modern interpretations as long as Capcom finds older installments to remake, but circumstances changed involving casting for these legacy characters, which may be difficult to become accustomed to for longtime fans. Ada Wong was played by Jolene Andersen in the Resident Evil 2 remake, for example, and her portrayal of the character quickly became a fan-favorite.
Andersen was able to play Ada in a way that expressed her callousness, but still remained playful and coy in a way that is truly distinct for the character in her interactions with Leon. Knowing that she could be reprised for a potential Resident Evil 4 remake at the time was exciting, though fans will now discover that she has been recast if they did not already know. It was previously announced that Lily Gao was replacing Jolene Andersen as Ada for the Resident Evil 4 remake, and the change in voices is certainly unique if not jarring when players hear her for the first time.
Players Might Get Used to Ada with Potential Resident Evil 4 Remake DLC
The change is largely upsetting because it creates an awkward dissonance between the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4. Even with a five-year time jump from the events of Resident Evil 2, Leon’s voice is slightly more rugged but still recognizable as the same actor from before. Thankfully, fans might potentially have an opportunity to get used to Ada’s new voice if post-launch DLC for Resident Evil 4’s remake adds a Separate Ways or Assignment Ada campaign.
This would be an incredible way to establish the character after having the main game be a bit of an adjustment phase with her new voice appearing out of nowhere, and fans may need the extra time hearing more of her dialogue before they can confidently supplant that voice in their minds as the new Ada. It will be interesting, too, to see if Gao is kept on for future Resident Evil remake installments. Capcom could very well switch back to Andersen or pick another actor after the Resident Evil 4 remake.
Resident Evil 4 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
