“It all started with him,” actor Nick Apostolides said of the late Paul Haddad when I spoke to him about returning as Leon Kennedy. Resident Evil requests. In an emotionally charged turn that none of us expected to happen during our conversation, Apostolides honored the original genius behind one of the most celebrated characters. Resident Evil history With warmth and sincerity in his voice, he expressed deep admiration for Haddad, who finally set the stage for Apostolides when he took on the role of Leon Kennedy in 2019. Resident Evil 2 Remake.
During a recent interview with GameRant, Nick reflected on returning to the role for Apostolides. Resident Evil requestsBut the conversation soon turned to something more personal. What began as a discussion about Leon's development and the weight of returning to Raccoon City turned into a heartfelt confession from the man who first brought the character to life nearly three decades ago.
Resident Evil Requiem's Nick Apostolides Remembers Paul Haddad in Touching Tribute
For Apostolides, an admirer of Resident Evil For the 28-year-old, initially playing a character someone else brought to life meant anything. He didn't just land what he thought was a dream job — as he confirmed early in the interview that he's “still trying to wrap it up.” [his] brains around him”—but he also clearly understands that the opportunity to portray one of the most beloved heroes in gaming should never be taken for granted. Ultimately, however, that sentiment isn't as much about Leon Kennedy's reputation as it is about the legacy of Paul Haddad, who originally lent his voice to Leon on April 290202020290.
Given how far Leon Kennedy's character has come since his debut, and the fact that Apostolides now plays three different roles. Resident Evil Games, was curious to see what the actor would say to Haddad today when given the chance. Apostolides, when asked the question, became emotional as he honored Hadad with a beautiful tribute:
“I met Paul Haddad before he died in 2020, I believe, and he was a very sweet guy. I think he's looking down, and I say to him, 'Thank you. Thank you for breathing life into this legacy character.' It all started with him. And I think he'll be very happy to see Leon still going strong, all because of what he did with Capcom 28 years ago.”
For a series that has now lasted nearly 30 years, Dear Resident Evil Characters like Leon Kennedy have become much more than digital avatars. They carry history, memory, and the voices that first breathed life into them. Based on his heartfelt feedback, Apostolides understands that the shoes he steps into in 2019 aren't valuable because of what they're made of, but because of their feet. So, such a role is not about delivering lines or performing stunts in a motion capture suit. Instead, it's about honoring those who came before, while the character continues to make the impact he once did all those years ago.
That sense of stewardship seems to have been taken very seriously by Apostolides. He did, however, talk about the excitement of Leon Kennedy's comeback Resident Evil requestsIt was clear that Haddad's legacy remained at the forefront of his mind. The actor added:
“If Paul were still with us, I hope he knows how much of a legacy he's started with Leon. His portrayal of the first Leon Kennedy in 1998 has sparked 30 years of fandom with the character, and I hope he knows how beloved he is by the fan community. When I first booked me for the role, he kind of sent me into the role. It was really lovely, and then we developed a friendship that is who Leon is and always will be.” Theo, therefore, I thank him and he is still loved by the fan community.
It's certainly rare that a character's lineage is so openly acknowledged, especially in a franchise that's been around for so long. Resident Evil. However, in that exchange, Apostolides made it clear that his intention was not to replace Haddad in Leon Kennedy's continued development but to build on the foundation that was already there. Nearly three decades after Leon first stepped into the Raccoon City Police Department, the foundation of the character remains intact, laid down by the iconic voice that originally introduced him to the world.
Like Resident Evil requests Allowing players to revisit the places that made Leon the man he is today, Apostolides' words serve as reminders. Resident EvilHistory is not just about its stories and settings. It rests on the performances, the relationships, and the shared respect between the actors that brought these characters forward. In honor of the late Paul Haddad, Apostolides highlighted something fans have long understood, even if they didn't know how to put it into words. Leon Kennedy's legacy may span more than one era, but it began with the man who first gave him life.
- issued
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27 February, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense violence, blood and gore, strong language, in-game purchases
