Shadowheart might be the most romanceable companion in Baldur's Gate 3, but Larian gives us so many options that it can get a little confusing. Muscle-mother Karlach, sassy and polite Astarion, nerd-boy Gale, and literal bear Halsin are all great choices. However, Ben Starr has gone on record saying that he does not romance Shadowheart.
It's not that the actor has anything against emo girls, it's just that Shadowheart actor Jennifer English plays Miles in Claire Obscur: Expedition 33, who happens to be the sister of her character Verso. So, when it comes to choosing a character to romance, the star says it will feel weird.
Family dynamics
The two were part of a panel at Emerald City Comic Con 2026 along with Baldur's Gate 3 performance director Aliona Baranova, where they were asked if they play the games they play. A follow-up question directed at Starr asked if he had romanced Shadowheart, which he said. English immediately jumped in to ask why not (thanks, GamesRadar)
“If I'm going to be honest, I've always seen myself as a gay girl,” the star replied, to which English said, “Is it because you're a bit gay and you really love yourself?” After the two complimented Gail actor Tim Downey, the star explained that it would be a little weird since the two brothers played Claire Obscur.
Excellent voice acting really elevates Claire Obscure: The Expedition 33 to greatness
Maybe everything Jennifer English touches actually turns into a GOTY.
“No, I haven't romanced you, but I think that would be weird. It would be very weird,” Starr explained. English agreed, “Now that would be strange, that would be unethical.” While English absolutely smashes it in both of her roles, there are times where she sounds like Maelle in Baldur's Gate 3 and vice-verso (see what I did there?), so it's understandable that the star might feel a little weird.
To answer the original question, Starr added, “We do, I think we all just have a great love as human beings. I think there's a great respect for what we do, and I think we're not doing our due diligence as artists if we're not playing the games that are out there.”
- issued
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and gore, partial nudity, sexual content, strong language, violence
- Engine
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Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
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Online co-op, local co-op
- Cross-platform play
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complete
