Andy Serkis Hails Expedition 33, Says Hollywood's 'Snobbery' Toward Video Games Is Fading

Andy Serkis, best known for his role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, has high praise for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The acclaimed actor was part of the award-winning cast in the 2025 Game of the Year winner and is immensely proud of the final product. In an interview with Variety, Serkis discussed his initial pitch for the role and marveled at how the gaming industry has matured.

"What a video game, and I'm so thrilled with how it turned out for these guys because I love the idea of it, but I love the visuals of it. I thought it was beautiful. I am so thrilled for their success. [...] It's such an emotional story for a video game, and it just looks extraordinary, and the music in it is so powerful."

Serkis went on to note that video games are finally receiving the respect they deserve. He observed that actors used to show disinterest in starring in games, but now up-and-coming actors aspire to land roles in them. He also highlighted how game engines have become essential in filmmaking, used for pre-visualizing action sequences and helping cinematographers plan shots and lighting.

"There has always been that snobbery that video games not being anywhere near filmmaking, but that's all changing and certainly looking into the future when we have more immersive storytelling, which is what's happening," he said.

Serkis has appeared in several video games over the years, including various Lord of the Rings titles, and was heavily involved with Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword. He not only starred in the game but also served as a writer and motion capture director. Serkis made a name for himself as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films, making him a strong advocate for performance capture. He later played Caesar in the recent Planet of the Apes trilogy, further showcasing the power of performance capture and digital performances.

Serkis' comments align with a growing trend, as actors like Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, and many other high-profile stars have taken prominent roles in video games. Hideo Kojima heavily relies on this for his games, particularly Death Stranding, which features Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux, lending A-list talent to Kojima Productions' storytelling style. Now, it seems gaming is becoming an increasingly common avenue for actors in a broader sense.

Video games have also become vital sources for films and television, with The Last of Us and Fallout becoming award-winning TV series for HBO and Amazon, respectively. Clair Obscur is also getting a film adaptation, and actors like Charlie Cox (who voiced Gustave in the game) are eager to be involved.