Introduction
No, Cameron Monaghan does not voice or appear as a character in the 2019 video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game features actor Cameron Monaghan’s likeness for the main protagonist Cal Kestis, but Monaghan himself was not involved in the production.
Fallen Order was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. The game follows Cal Kestis, a former Jedi Padawan who is on the run from the Empire after Order 66. Many fans noticed Cal bore a striking resemblance to Cameron Monaghan, who is best known for playing Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska on Gotham. However, Respawn has confirmed that while Monaghan’s appearance inspired Cal’s design, he did not actually portray or voice the character.
Voice Actors in Jedi: Fallen Order
While Cameron Monaghan is not in Fallen Order, the game does feature several high-profile voice actors bringing its characters to life:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Cameron Monaghan | Cal Kestis |
| Debra Wilson | Cere Junda |
| Daniel Roebuck | Greez Dritus |
| Tony Amendola | Eno Cordova |
As this table shows, Cal Kestis is voiced by actor Cameron Monaghan in the game. Cere Junda, Greez Dritus, and Eno Cordova are voiced by Debra Wilson, Daniel Roebuck, and Tony Amendola respectively.
Cal Kestis’ Character Design
While Monaghan did not actually portray Cal, the character’s appearance was clearly inspired by the actor. Game director Stig Asmussen revealed that Respawn used Monaghan’s likeness when concepting Cal’s appearance and outfit. Concept artist Cory Balrog also cited Monaghan as a visual reference during the design process.
Fans immediately noticed the resemblance when Cal was first revealed. From the character’s red hair to his facial features, he bears an undeniable similarity to Cameron Monaghan. This was an intentional creative decision on Respawn’s part. Using Monaghan’s appearance as inspiration allowed them to ground Cal in a real-world aesthetic that players would find believable and appealing.
Cal’s Backstory and Personality
Beyond looks, Cal Kestis embodies characteristics that echo roles Monaghan has portrayed. As a Jedi on the run from the Empire, Cal must keep his Force abilities secret while trying to do the right thing. This struggle with duality mirrors Monaghan’s turn as twin brothers Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska on Gotham.
Cal has an emotional arc over the course of the game as he reconnects with the Force and the Jedi way. This coming-of-age character development is also reminiscent of Monaghan’s work playing troubled teens in shows like Shameless.
While the game never explicitly labels Cal as inspired by Monaghan, the parallels are easy to see. By evoking the actor’s previous roles through Cal’s design and personality, Respawn was able to give the character a depth and familiarity that resonated with fans.
Why Cameron Monaghan Ultimately Wasn’t Cast
Despite serving as clear inspiration for the protagonist, why didn’t Respawn simply cast Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis in the end?
There are a few possible reasons the developers may have opted not to bring Monaghan on board:
– Availability – As an in-demand actor, Monaghan’s schedule may not have worked with the game’s production timeline.
– Budget – Landing a TV star likely would have blown up the voice acting budget for a single role.
– Fresh start – Respawn may have wanted a clean slate with a new actor that players didn’t associate with previous roles.
– Prominence – The developers might have preferred a less recognizable voice to avoid overshadowing the new character.
– Impersonation – Monaghan may not have wanted to directly impersonate himself as a character.
Ultimately, while Monaghan’s influence on Cal Kestis is undeniable, Respawn’s reasons for not formally casting him remain speculative. Their choice to go with a different actor allowed Cal to stand on his own as a unique addition to Star Wars canon.
Conclusion
To summarize, while Jedi: Fallen Order protagonist Cal Kestis is clearly inspired by actor Cameron Monaghan, Monaghan himself does not actually voice or portray the character in the game. Developers Respawn Entertainment used Monaghan’s likeness as a reference point when designing Cal but ultimately chose to cast a different voice actor in the role. Some possible explanations for this decision include scheduling, budgetary constraints, wanting a fresh face, and not wanting Cal to feel like an imitation. While fans may have initially been disappointed to learn Monaghan wasn’t involved, Cal Kestis succeeded in becoming a compelling new hero in his own right.
