Jennifer English, known for her roles as Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 and Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is stepping down from her role as Gwendolyn, the lead protagonist in the upcoming RPG Tides of Annihilation. The actor announced the decision on July 18, 2026, citing a need to focus on her personal health.
Quick Facts
- Role: Jennifer English was cast as the lead protagonist, Gwendolyn.
- New Status: English will transition to an advisory role on the project.
- Replacement: Eclipse Glow Games has cast a new performer; the identity remains unannounced.
- Platforms: The game is confirmed for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.
- Demo Debut: The new voice will be heard for the first time during a public demo this August.
In a social media statement, developer Eclipse Glow Games confirmed the transition, noting that English remains involved with the studio. "She will continue to support the project in an advisory role," the studio stated. English shared on Instagram that she reached the decision after realizing she needed to "slow down and reassess" her current commitments to properly look after her well-being.
Future of the Protagonist
While the studio has not yet disclosed the name of the new actor, they confirmed that the search was a collaborative effort. English and other members of the voice cast provided recommendations to identify a performer who could maintain the character's integrity. Players can expect to hear the new performance during the Tides of Annihilation demo at Gamescom 2026 this August, as well as in official project updates throughout that month.
Tides of Annihilation, which is being developed by the Tencent-backed studio Eclipse Glow Games, does not currently have a release window. The project previously gained attention for casting English alongside her real-life partner, Aliona Baranova, in a setting described as a twisted, fantasy version of London.