HBO is continuing the story of Larian Studios’ smash hit CRPG Baldur’s Gate 3. Helmed by Chernobyl, The Last of Us, and Scary Movie 3 writer Craig Mazin, the new TV show will follow on from a chosen ending of the award-winning video game.
Confirmed in a report by Deadline, the upcoming Baldur’s Gate TV show—which appears to be dropping the “3”—will be a continuation to the game, “telling a story that takes place immediately after the events of Baldur’s Gate 3”.
Craig Mazin told the outlet that he has put “nearly 1,000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3”, saying that it’s a “dream come true to be able to continue the story”. At the time of writing, no characters have been cast in the TV show, but Astarion actor Neil Newbon has often put his name forward for any live-action adaptation of his character.
In the report, Deadline explained that Mazin has plans to “reach out to voice cast members” to have them participate in the TV show. However, it’s not known if any of the actors will be asked specifically to reprise their roles, or if they’ll have cameos like The Last of Us voice cast did in that live-action series.
The big question on everyone’s minds for the Baldur’s Gate 3 adaptation is whether or not Larian Studios is involved at all. Larian famously left Baldur’s Gate behind to work on its own Divinity series following issues with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast. This has led Hasbro to claim that an eventual Baldur’s Gate 4 will “of course” happen without the help of the award-winning RPG studio.
When asked on social media whether or not Larian is involved in the project, CEO Swen Vincke explained that none of the game’s writers are involved. However, Mazin has spoken with Larian to discuss the series in some form.
“Not to my knowledge,” Vincke replied. “But Craig did reach out to ask if he could come over to the studio to speak with us. From the conversation we had, I think he truly [sic] is a big fan which gives me hope.”
Additionally, The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley, who recently helped Larian announce their upcoming Divinity project, said: “Larian, the creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, tell me they have no involvement in the series.” This statement, as well as many responses to it, were shared by Larian publishing director Michael ‘Cromwelp’ Douse, who added: “Except that we made it popular enough for it to be referred to as Baldur’s Gate 3.”
The lack of Larian’s involvement is surprising considering Mazin’s past. While The Last of Us TV show did make changes from the original games, it did so with the involvement of game director Neil Druckmann. Unfortunately, it seems that Larian has merely been informed of the show’s creation, and won’t be able to participate in its continued development.
Many fans are wary of the upcoming Baldur’s Gate show, not just because its an adaptation, but because it’s following on from the events of Larian’s game. Unlike a series like Fallout—which is trying to shy away from canon ending choices—this direct continuation will decide what the canon ending for Baldur’s Gate 3 is without the involvement of the original’s writers.
