Actors Who Could Play Commander Shepard

Key Takeaways

• Emily Blunt would be an excellent casting choice for Shepard due to her complexity in acting and imposing presence.
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s appearance and action experience make him a consistent choice for a male Shepard.
• Karen Gillan and Evan Rachel Wood are also strong contenders for Shepard, as they would experience and intensity to the role.

The long-awaited adaptation of Mass Effect for Amazon Prime Video promises to transport fans into BioWare’s iconic science fiction universe, where intergalactic alliances and alien threats shape the destiny not only of humans, but of the entire galaxy. The series aims to capture the complexity and depth of the original story that established the franchise in games.

Although there is still no confirmation about the cast, discussions about possible actors for the role of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series have existed since before production began. The visual flexibility of the protagonist, customizable in gender and appearance, opens up a wide variety of casting possibilities. Any of these actors have the potential to represent the protagonist’s presence.

10 Emily Blunt

A Fan-Approved Possibility

• Main Works: Sicario, Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place

In addition to starring in many excellent films like A Quiet Place and Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt possesses acting attributes that align well with the personality of Jane Shepard, the female version of the protagonist. This would make her an excellent casting choice for the Mass Effect series that Amazon is producing. Onscreen, she has an imposing presence that fits the character’s military leader archetype.

Blunt has an interesting ability to create complex characters, and Shepard is exactly that — not just a military leader, but also a hero who faces various dilemmas throughout the story. Blunt has demonstrated capability in action scenes, as seen in Sicario, which is essential for the Mass Effect protagonist. She also possesses a captivating presence, which is extremely important for the video game character.

9 Aaron Taylor-Johnson

His Look In Tenet Resembles Shepard’s

• Main Works: Kick-Ass, Nocturnal Animals, Bullet Train

Aaron Taylor-Johnson would be an excellent choice to play a male version of Shepard, especially considering that in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, the actor had an appearance similar to the protagonist of Mass Effect. Additionally, the actor’s physique could suit Shepard well.

BioWare’s games feature great action scenes where various characters engage in armed confrontations, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson has a background in intense films like Tenet and Kick-Ass. If the series producers wish to adapt the protagonist with more focus on this element, then the Taylor-Johnson would be an excellent choice.

8 Karen Gillan

Plenty Of Experience With Science Fiction

• Main Works: Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy, Neurotica

In Guardians of the Galaxy, Karen Gillan plays Nebula, a character whose appearance is more similar to Liara in Mass Effect. There’s no doubt she could play that role, but the actress also has enough talent to bring Shepard to life in the TV series. As an added bonus, her imposing height would suit the military leader’s appearance and aura.

Another factor that makes Gillan an excellent choice is her experience with action scenes, as well as the emotional range she has displayed in her roles. Whether as Nebula in the MCU or as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, the actress has explored various characters with complicated pasts and dilemmas. These are central themes for Shepard, and Gillan would handle them well.

7 Evan Rachel Wood

Would Make An Excellent Jane Shepard

• Main Works: Westworld, True Blood, Into the Forest

In Westworld, Evan Rachel Wood portrayed a version of Dolores Abernathy, a character with complex layers. The talents that Wood showed in this role could translate well into a performance as Jane Shepard. As a military leader and one of the galaxy’s greatest hopes, she is affected by the events she witnesses throughout the game.

Wood could play Shepard as a heroine who must remain an inspiring leader for her allies, but also someone who deals with her own doubts and challenges. Her intensity in dramatic roles would serve well for scenes of great emotional impact, highlighting the sacrifices made by the protagonist throughout the storyline.

6 Ricky Whittle

A Choice For A More Reserved Shepard

• Main Works: American Gods, The 100, Land of Bad

In the role of Shadow Moon in American Gods, Whittle has demonstrated a great ability to express shock and discomfort in the face of the unknown. These traits would make sense for Shepard in certain situations in Mass Effect. The actor could bring a more introspective and less heroic version of the character, guiding the audience while discovering BioWare’s universe.

Whittle has a striking physical presence and an acting style focused on restrained emotions, qualities that could enrich Shepard as a leader who balances strength and vulnerability. Depending on the approach the series takes, the actor would be capable of conveying an interesting protagonist.

5 Simone Missick

A Striking Presence For Shepard

• Main Works: Altered Carbon, All Rise, Luke Cage

Simone Missick, known for playing Trepp in Altered Carbon, has portrayed strong and firm characters throughout her career. Given her previous roles, she would be a perfect match for a tougher Shepard, perhaps one with the “War Hero” background.

Considering important moments in the games, Missick demonstrates the ability to balance scene intensity with the necessary drama. In the role of Shepard in Mass Effect, she could bring a new dimension to the character, incorporating both the relentless leader and the figure filled with dilemmas to be faced.

4 Stephen Amell

Experience With Action Scenes

• Main Works: Arrow, Heels, Code 8

Known for portraying Oliver Queen in Arrow, Stephen Amell has plenty of expertise with characters who excel in action scenes. This makes him a solid choice to play Shepard in the Mass Effect series, especially if he can convey the same presence that the game’s protagonist has.

Amell has the ability to bring strong characters to life, mixing combat scenes with deeper performances, aligning with BioWare’s complex narratives. Additionally, considering that Arrow dealt with team-centered stories, this could enrich Shepard’s dynamics with the allies of the SSV Normandy.

3 Sebastian Stan

An Excellent Actor For The Role

• Main Works: Pam & Tommy, Political Animals, Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Sebastian Stan, renowned for his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has ample experience with geek culture, especially when it comes to action scenes. His experience playing characters seeking redemption makes him an ideal candidate to portray Shepard in the Mass Effect TV adaptation.

Stan has demonstrated exceptional skill at depicting internal conflicts and personal evolutions. By embodying Shepard, he could explore the different facets a leader needs to have, facing intergalactic dangers while dealing with internal struggles.

2 Katee Sackhoff

Perfect Appearance & Presence For Shepard

• Main Works: The Mandalorian, Battlestar Galactica, Another Life

As witnessed in her portrayal of Bo-Katan Kryze in The Mandalorian, set in the Star Wars universe, Katee Sackhoff has incredible qualities to play Shepard in a potential Mass Effect adaptation. Her firm, imposing screen presence aligns well with a character who needs to inspire respect and leadership in BioWare’s universe.

With Sackhoff in the protagonist role, the character could have an even more striking presence. And, as shown in The Mandalorian, she excels in action scenes. Considering that the games feature intense battles against formidable foes, Sackhoff would be an excellent choice to embody the commander.

1 Jesse Williams

Experience With Video Game Characters

• Main Works: Grey’s Anatomy, Detroit: Become Human, Only Murders in the Building

Considering Shepard’s physical aspects, Jesse Williams would be a perfect choice to portray the character in the Mass Effect TV series adaptation. The actor’s features match very well with the standard look of the male version of the protagonist, bringing more familiarity to fans of the game.

Williams also has experience portraying video game characters, having brought Markus to life in Detroit: Become Human, a role that explores moral dilemmas and difficult decisions, much like in Mass Effect. Thus, choosing the actor would be excellent casting for this live-action adaptation.