The galaxy's fate hangs in the balance, and the voice of Commander Shepard is ready to answer the call! Jennifer Hale, the iconic voice behind the legendary FemShep from the Mass Effect trilogy, has made it crystal clear: she's eager to return to the universe that captured the hearts of millions.
Hale's enthusiasm isn't just about reprising her role as the indomitable Commander Shepard. It's about returning to the Mass Effect universe itself, regardless of the character she might portray. Imagine her as a Krogan, a Salarian, or even a Turian! The possibilities are truly limitless.
When asked if she'd be open to playing any role, Hale's response was simple and heartfelt: "Anyone. I love that universe. I’m ready. Anytime."
Currently, developer BioWare hasn't reached out to Hale for Mass Effect 5. But that doesn't mean we should abandon hope. Here's where fan power comes in. Hale herself has urged fans to let BioWare know how much they'd love to see Commander Shepard's return, even if it's in a different capacity. The developers could cleverly navigate the hundreds of years gap, or perhaps integrate Shepard as a holographic display in a future museum.
"Everyone out there, the more you tell them what you want, maybe the likelier it is that it'll happen," Hale said.
But here's where it gets controversial... This news comes amidst a period of significant change for both BioWare and its parent company, EA. Earlier this year, BioWare underwent a complete restructuring, shifting its focus entirely to Mass Effect after the perceived disappointment of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Furthermore, EA was recently acquired and taken private in a staggering $55 billion deal involving the Saudi Arabian PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The impact of this ownership change on projects like the new Mass Effect remains uncertain.
While details about Mass Effect 5 are still scarce, one returning feature has been confirmed by the game's director, Michael Gamble: excessive lens flare. And let's not forget Amazon plans to film its Mass Effect TV series at the end of 2026.
Over the years, BioWare has tantalized fans with teasers, including artwork filled with Easter eggs and hints about the story of Mass Effect 5. BioWare has suggested that the game will be set hundreds of years after the original trilogy, with a story that spans both the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy.
What do you think? Would you like to see Jennifer Hale and Commander Shepard return in the next chapter of Mass Effect, alongside that lens flare? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the new ownership will affect the game? Is it better to leave Shepard's story as it is? Let us know what you think!
