After having captivated audiences worldwide with her performance as the enchanting Yennefer of Vengerberg in the popular Netflix series The Witcher, Anya Chalotra is stepping into a new realm. The acclaimed actress is set to headline the immersive video game experience, Unknown 9: Awakening, where she takes on the role of the lead character, Haroona. In a candid discussion from her home in London, Anya shared insights into this thrilling new adventure and the unique experience of working in motion capture for the first time.
Being offered the role of Haroona was an opportunity Anya found impossible to resist. “I’ve always wanted to try motion capture,” she said with excitement. The character of Haroona, as explained by Anya, is a determined and passionate warrior with an unwavering sense of loyalty. She possesses extraordinary supernatural abilities that she learns to harness as the game progresses. “Haroona begins her journey aware of her inner power but unaware of how to access it. By the end, she has mastered her abilities,” Anya elaborated.
Despite playing a character based on her likeness, Anya had no control over Haroona’s appearance or backstory. “It has been a collaborative process from the start,” she mentioned. The universe of Unknown 9 was already well-established, providing a solid framework for her to step into the role.
Describing a day in the life of motion capture, Anya painted a vivid picture of the process. “You start by donning a onesie, and your hair is encased in a cap that blends with the suit,” she explained. Covered in dots for tracking and equipped with a head-mounted camera, she steps into the ‘volume,’ a sacred space where motion capture artistry unfolds.
Anya likens the process to performing on stage. “It’s similar to theater because you explore the most truthful version of a scene with everyone else in the volume. Camera adjustments are frequent because of its sensitivity to capturing every motion,” she noted.
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While her voice is recorded during the filming process, Anya also contributes additional voice work in a studio booth. An avid gamer herself, she wisely avoids picking favorites but admits, “It’s got to be Unknown 9!”
Transitioning from playing Yennefer from a video game in a TV series to embodying a character for a video game, Anya observed, “The roles are vastly different, but both Yennefer and Haroona have the potential to be icons. I’d love to see them duel; it would be intriguing, especially as I’d be playing both parts!”
Although modest about her career trajectory, Anya acknowledges the influence of The Witcher in shaping her path. “Choosing roles has become crucial, especially given the global recognition from playing Yennefer,” she said. “It’s vital that the work I select between seasons challenges my soul, allowing me to grow as an artist.”
Currently engaged in filming the fourth season of The Witcher, Anya revealed that Yennefer’s journey is one of continuous learning. The show, which has seen Liam Hemsworth taking over as Geralt of Rivia, offers Yennefer opportunities to grow as a leader and a mother, grappling with her past and present responsibilities.
Reflecting on her acting journey, Anya recalls her beginnings on stage with Much Ado About Nothing and her television debut with Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders. Now keen to diversify her portfolio, she is eager to delve into horror and comedy genres. “I think I have a knack for humor,” she quipped, recalling her role as the family joker.
Anya’s artistic endeavors span theatre, television, video games, and more recently, podcasts. Yet, she expresses a deep-seated affection for the stage: “In theatre, the barebones approach to storytelling connects you deeply with your fellow actors and the text.”
Rooted in her cultural heritage, Anya fondly recalls her love for Bollywood cinema. Raised on a diet of Hindi films, she’s an ardent fan of classics starring Shah Rukh Khan. “Bollywood holds a special place because it ties me to my family and community,” she reminisced.
Excitingly, Anya will be visiting India in November with her family, a trip she eagerly anticipates, not least for the opportunity to indulge in chole-batura—a beloved dish. The release of Unknown 9: Awakening on October 18 marks another milestone in Anya Chalotra’s dynamic career, further expanding her reach into the world of interactive storytelling.
