Written by: Luis Vox
Voice acting and motion capture (mocap) are two artistic disciplines that have become essential to modern video games. Every gamer has that one title that sticks with them as the first time they heard voice acting in a game. For me, it was "Resident Evil" back in 1996. We’ve come a long way since Barry calling Jill the “master of unlocking” or turning her into a “Jill sandwich.”
Now it’s 2026, and performances in games rival some of the best work in film. Actors aren’t just behind the mic anymore; they’re physically bringing these characters to life through full performance capture. Today, Truly Disturbing is honored to be joined by Nick Apostolides, the voice and mocap artist behind Leon S. Kennedy in Capcom’s latest entry, "Resident Evil: Requiem."
Truly Disturbing: Since watching your evolution of Leon over the years, he’s become more athletic and acrobatic. You’ve handled the motion capture for all your performances as Leon. What were the main challenges going into RE9 with all the martial arts Leon uses? Do you have any martial arts or combat training?
Nick Apostolides: “Yeah, Leon is a very physical, capable guy. While I’m not a martial artist, I’ve been an action actor for about 15 years and do my own stunts whenever possible. I have general combat, fighting, and firearms training from years of action films, and I work out five to six days a week. That definitely helps bring authenticity to a character like this.”
TD: Since the original release of Resident Evil 4 and now the remake, Leon has found some creative ways to eliminate enemies. In a zombie apocalypse, what would be more effective, a roundhouse kick or a Russian suplex?
NA: “I like creative solutions, so maybe a combo of both? A Russian roundhouse spinning suplex kick.”
TD: You’ve also done motion capture for Call of Duty and Medal of Honor. What’s the biggest difference between those FPS war games and doing mocap for a survival horror game?
NA: “Those games take place in different eras of war and are historically grounded, especially from a military standpoint. It’s all physical performance, but with military games there’s a strong emphasis on precision and correct tactical movement. You work with advisors to make sure everything is accurate. In Resident Evil, the focus is more on staying true to the character and their personal fighting style.”
TD: Let’s talk voice acting. Leon is known for his one-liners in life-or-death situations. Did you improvise at all in RE9, or was everything scripted? And what’s your favorite line?
NA: “We definitely have fun in the booth and during performance capture. Capcom is open to ideas, and I usually get to contribute a lot of Leon’s one-liners. One of my favorites is his final line to Gideon in Requiem: ‘This time… you ain’t gettin’ back up…’”
TD: Leon has lived a rough life. As an actor, did you draw from personal experiences to bring that to life? What’s your process?
NA: “As I’ve gotten older, I just have more life experience to pull from. More weight, more struggle, more understanding of trauma. I’ve portrayed Leon across about 30 years of his fictional life. Let’s just say I’m glad I wasn’t asked to play his older version when I was in my 20s. It wouldn’t have felt as real.”
TD: Without spoiling too much, what was your reaction to learning about the Raccoon City Survivor's Disease and Leon being infected?
NA: “I thought it was a great addition. It adds a ticking clock, raises the stakes, and ties everything back to where his story began.”
WATCH "RESIDENT EVIL: REQUIEM" GAMEPLAY TRAILER BELOW
TD: During the 2020 shutdown, you were doing commissioned artwork, including Resident Evil creatures. Do you have a favorite from RE9?
NA: “I had a lot of free time back then, and I love macabre art. Off the top of my head, I think the spider boss would make for a really cool piece.”
TD: This year marks the 30th anniversary of Resident Evil. Its impact on gaming and horror is massive. If you didn’t play Leon, is there another character you’d want to take on?
NA: “It’s hard to overstate how influential Resident Evil has been. I think playing a charismatic villain would be a lot of fun.”
TD: Stepping outside Resident Evil, what’s an underrated old-school survival horror game that deserves more love?
NA: “Castlevania III on NES is one of my all-time favorites. It might’ve been the first horror game I ever played, and it has one of the best soundtracks ever. I wish more people knew about it.”
TD: What are your all-time favorite horror films?
NA: “A few favorites: The Thing, The VVitch, Hereditary, Sinister, The Exorcist.”
TD: If you could jump into any horror film franchise, what would it be?
NA: “Maybe 'Sinister" or "The Exorcist". I’d play any role. Or anything by Robert Eggers, John Carpenter, or A24.”
TD: Any other horror game franchises you’d love to be part of?
NA: “I’ve played them all. I’d love to be in "Dead Space" or "Silent Hill.”
TD: We also know you’re into music. You appeared in a "Killswitch Engage" video and quote Metallica. What’s on your workout playlist?
NA: “I love metal. It gets my blood pumping and keeps me motivated. Ozzy, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Megadeth are always in rotation.”
We want to thank Nick for taking the time to talk with us. "Resident Evil: Requiem" is an absolute banger, and his performance as Leon adds serious depth to the character. We’re looking forward to what’s next.
"Resident Evil: Requiem" is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.