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| A Dragonborn character in cinematic view in Baldur's Gate 3 |
If you’ve spent any time in online gaming communities, you know this truth: fans are the heartbeat and sometimes the harsh critics of the franchises they love. From Star Trek to Star Wars, devotees are famously vocal about the stewardship of their favorite worlds. Now, that fierce protective energy has swirled around one of gaming’s most beloved recent triumphs: Baldur’s Gate 3.
The catalyst? A bombshell report from Deadline confirming that HBO and Hasbro are joining forces to produce a high-profile drama series set in the Forgotten Realms. But this isn’t a direct adaptation of the game’s story. Instead, the show will be a continuation, picking up after the events of Larian Studios’ genre-defining RPG to explore the consequences that ripple across the Sword Coast.
The Creative Powerhouse Behind the Project
Spearheading the adaptation is Craig Mazin, the acclaimed creator of HBO’s The Last of Us. Mazin is set to create, write, executive produce, and showrun the series, bringing his proven track record for respectful, critically-praised video game adaptations to the table. He’ll be joined by a crucial lore guardian: Chris Perkins, former Head of Story for Wizards of the Coast, who will serve as a consultant.
This move signals a serious intent to honor the source material. As Deadline notes, the creative team is currently free of other major projects, suggesting a focused, "all-in" approach to building this new chapter.
Fan Elation Meets Immediate Concern
The reaction from the Baldur’s Gate 3 community has been a powerful mix of excitement and anxious hope. For many, Larian’s game was a "labor of love," a sentiment extended to the phenomenal cast who breathed life into characters like Shadowheart, Lae’zel, and Astarion.
This has led to the community’s most unified and passionate demand: the original voice actors must return.
"Hearing Jennifer English, Devora Wilde, or Neil Newbon narrate a simple teaser would trigger a standing ovation," one fan echoed on Reddit, a sentiment repeated thousands of times across social media. For players, these performers are the characters, and their absence would feel like a fundamental disconnect.
‘Baldur’s Gate’ TV Series Continuing Game’s Story In Works At HBO From ‘The Last Of Us’ Co-Creator Craig Mazin & Hasbro Entertainment https://t.co/P5idH0ofbB pic.twitter.com/W2ByrlRxrO
— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 5, 2026
Fans quickly took to platforms like X and Reddit to dissect the news. Further discussion on the r/TwoBestFriendsPlay subreddit highlights other core concerns.
Navigating the Pitfalls of Adaptation
Beyond casting, the community has voiced nuanced worries. Firstly, there’s the inherent challenge of adapting a Dungeons & Dragons story—a experience famously built on player agency and choice—into a linear narrative. Which ending, which choices, become canon? It’s a dilemma that no adaptation can perfectly solve for every player.
Secondly, there’s the shadow of past disappointments. While Mazin’s The Last of Us is held in high regard, fans remain wary of studios mishandling complex game narratives. The most poignant concern, however, is the notable lack of involvement from Larian Studios itself. After earning unparalleled trust, Larian’s distance from the TV project leaves some feeling a key creative compass is missing.
A Cautiously Optimistic Future
Despite the concerns, the potential is undeniable. With Mazin’s expertise, Perkins’s deep lore knowledge, and HBO’s production quality, the series has a formidable foundation. The decision to continue the story, rather than rehash the game, is a bold and interesting creative choice that could expand the universe in compelling ways.
The message from the fandom is clear: they are ready to embrace this new journey, but they desperately want to walk it with the voices that made the original so unforgettable. As one fan perfectly summarized: "Involve the people who made us care in the first place. That’s the roll you need a Natural 20 on."
Ready to experience the game that started it all?
Immerse yourself in the world before the show arrives. The Baldur's Gate 3 PlayStation 5 Physical Deluxe Edition is available on Amazon, featuring a host of physical collectibles and the complete, award-winning game.
Sources: Deadline, Wario64 on X, r/TwoBestFriendsPlay on Reddit.