After years in development, Square Enix finally released the highly-anticipated remake of its classic 1997 game,Final Fantasy 7. As expected,Final Fantasy 7remake brought several changesto the game, offering a fresh experience for players while retaining most of the game’s major plot points. Several months prior to the game’s release last week, Square Enix confirmed that it would be recasting the voice actor for Cloud Strife, along with all of the other characters.
For seventeen years now, voice actor Steve Burton has been providing voice work for Cloud making Square Enix’s decision to replace him disappointing to some. However, the new cast of voice actors that are giving life toFinal Fantasy 7’siconic characters comprises of seasoned veterans in their respective fields and are tasked to usher inFinal Fantasy 7remake to a whole new generation of players. But who is the new voice actor of Cloud Strife, and why does he sound so familiar?
RELATED:Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Where You Have Heard Tifa’s Voice Actor
Cody Christian Takes Over as Cloud Strife
As it turns out,Cody Christian takes over the role of Cloud Strifefrom Steve Burton. AlthoughFinal Fantasy 7remake is Christian’s first major video game voice work, he is a seasoned actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. It is currently unclear why Square Enix decided to replace longtime Cloud voice actor Steve Burton forFinal Fantasy 7remake, especially since Burton was initially reported to be reprising his role in the remake.
Of course, many are saddenedby the departure of Burton, who is considered by longtimeFinal Fantasyfans to be the man who gave life to the iconic character. However, upon the confirmation of the new cast of voice actors, Burton released a heartfelt statement that thanked Square Enix for the opportunity. He also congratulated and wished Cody Christian all the best for taking over the character, whom he has voiced for many years. While many will have their preference of which actor provided the better voice work for Cloud, it appears that Christian did an excellent job inFinal Fantasy 7remake. However, several fans have noticed that the new voice of Cloud inFinal Fantasy 7is familiar.
Cody Christian Appeared in Popular TV Shows and Films
For those who are wondering why Cloud Strife’s voice in the remake is familiar, then they have probably seen some of Cody Christian’s popular TV shows and films. As previously mentioned,Final Fantasy 7remake is Christian’s first work in a major video game. However, the actor has been featured in several hit films and TV shows, most notably inMTV’sTeen Wolfreboot series. Starring in 29 episodes from 2015-2017, Cody Christian played the role of Theo Raeken, who made his first appearance in the show’s fifth season. Theo was the first Chimera created by the Dread Doctors, who was able to complete his transformation without rejection.
Apart fromTeen Wolf, Cody Christian is also known for his recurring role in the seriesPretty Little Liars, where he played the character of Mike Montgomery, the younger brother of Aria Montgomery. On the other hand, Christian has also been featured in a handful of feature films such as 2018’sAssassination Nation, and the 2016 survival thriller film,Submerged. Some of Christian’s recent work includes a recurring role in the popular TV seriesAll American.
And that solves the mystery as to why Cloud Strife’s new voice actor sounds so familiar. Of course, playing one of the most iconic characters in the video game industry would certainly open many doors for Cody Christian in the field of voice acting. While it is currently unclear what his next work as a voice actor will be, hopefullyFinal Fantasy 7will not be his last.
