Too many actors get a big role in such an iconic franchise as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth would act as a turning point that opens every door that follows. But according to Briana White, the reality of stepping into the role of Aerith Gainsborough has been far more uncertain than one might expect. White spoke candidly in a recent interview, reflecting on the strange position in which to end such a pivotal performance Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and other games in the franchise while having little clarity on what comes next.
White explained that despite the visibility and acclaim that came with playing Aerith, consistent work has not followed in the way that many assume it should. She said she has auditioned for hundreds of roles since booking Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy without landing a single one, and described the pressure that comes with the belief that success should now be automatic. Instead of waiting for opportunities to present themselves, White says she's returned to acting classes and focused on developing her craft further, embracing the uncertainty of what lies beyond Aerith rather than pretending it doesn't exist.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Briana White doesn't know what's next for Aerith
During a recent interview with Naomi Kyle on Game Rants Character Select, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth actress Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough) opened up in a moment of vulnerability about landing a major role in one of gaming's most recognizable franchises and still finding that nothing is guaranteed in the world of acting. “There's nothing like booking one of the most iconic character roles in gaming and then being done,” White said. “I've auditioned for hundreds of things since I booked Aerith, and I haven't booked a single one.”
The assumption, of course, is that it should be easy to book voice acting roles for someone like White now, given Final Fantasy's popularity and the success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy so far. “I like to think I've learned a lot and grown a lot, but I don't know what's next,” White continued. “Everybody keeps telling me, 'It should be easy for you to work now.' People come up to me with cons like, “Can't wait to hear what you do next!” And I say “me too!”
White clarified that she was offered other projects based on her role as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, including reprising her role as Aerith Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion and plays the role of Flower Peddler in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. Since then, however, she hasn't booked any new voice acting roles in games, but according to IMDb, she has an upcoming role in the film Cellar.
Despite the season of waiting she's in, however, it seems waiting is the last thing White wants to do with her time. Instead, she has chosen to continue honing her craft while looking for more opportunities to voice characters other than Aerith Gainsborough in the gaming industry. “I'm not just going to sit on my laurels,” she said. “That's not who I am. I'm not going to just sit back and wait for roles to come in. I'm active in acting classes, and it's always a little weird when I'm in these acting classes and workshops, trying to meet casting directors, network, learn and try to get better. Sometimes they'll be here, 'what' and do me? Well, I do what everyone else does. I'm not the kind of person who's going to wait. I'm going to do the work, and I will trust that eventually there will be more work.”
Of course, White is expected to return as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Remake part 3, although her role in the story is still shrouded in mystery. If nothing else, her latest comments highlight how little certainty there is in voice acting, even after landing a role as visible as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. While the trilogy introduced her performance to millions of players, it hasn't changed the daily reality of auditions, classes and waiting for the next opportunity. For now, White says she's focused on continuing to work, improve and stay active in the industry, though she doesn't have a clear picture of what's next.
- Released
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February 29, 2024
- ESRB
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T for teens due to blood, language, mild suggestive themes, use of alcohol and tobacco, violence
