Actress Anya Chalotra is no stranger to the world of video games. However, her journey to becoming Haroona throughout the making of our action-adventure game marks the first time she brings a virtual character based on her likeness to life.
In new behind-the-scenes footage, Chalotra reveals her reason for joining the project, shares what it was like to bring Haroona to life, and expresses what she hopes gamers will get out of their Unknown 9: Awakening experience.
Anya Chalotra and Haroona: a perfect match
Showing a profound interest in the game’s narrative and a great fascination with its heroine from the get-go, Chalotra was an obvious front-runner early on in the casting process. After all, like the character she portrays, the actress has come to embody the essence of what a strong and inspiring female role model is.
According to the actress, it was Haroona’s qualities that first drew her to the project. “She’s a clever, resilient, streetwise woman, and to top it all off, she’s got amazing supernatural abilities.”
Chalotra believes that many people, including herself, identify with video game characters because they get to inhabit them in their journeys. When considering what players will get out of this experience, she thinks that perhaps by exploring Haroona’s flaws, in facing her greatest challenges, and in witnessing her growing strength in character, they will get to explore that part of themselves as well.
On breathing life into Unknown 9: Awakening’s protagonist
Chalotra stresses how intimate the process was. To her, it’s not simply about lending your voice, face, and body. It’s about transcending the virtual and infusing the character with a little bit of your soul.
“It’s probably something more personal than anything I’ve ever done before.”
Chalotra’s determination to understand and internalize Haroona’s story was a major source of inspiration in bringing the character to life.
The actress reconnected with her family to perfect her accent and, working closely with performance director Damien Goodwin, offered precious creative input, imbuing Haroona with just the right amount of emotional depth.
On working with the larger Unknown 9: Awakening team
Chalotra credits everyone involved on the project as having played a role in helping her make Haroona who she is.
“We were able to build and create a space that was safe and open to watch and learn.”
As for developer Reflector Entertainment, its team was honored to collaborate with the actress, who demonstrated such a strong commitment to the role at every stage.
Join the countdown to the game’s release
Haroona’s quest is one filled with emotion, mystery, wonder, and of course, Umbric power; a journey that will see her, and those who play the game, evolve from pupil to hero.
Are you ready to walk her path?
Unknown 9: Awakening’s launches worldwide on October 18. Pre-order your copy of the game today, secure your pre-order bonus, and prepare to Step into the Unknown.