Bungie has been notoriously tight-lipped regarding the revival of its classic sci-fi franchise Marathon, but a few fresh details have finally surfaced from an unexpected source. During a recent sit-down on TheBestWarGames’s Character Select with Naomi Kyle, prolific voice actress Erica Lindbeck pulled back the curtain—just a fraction—on her involvement in the upcoming extraction shooter.
A "Frigging Awesome" Addition to the Roster
While much of the game remains shrouded in mystery, Lindbeck confirmed that she will be bringing one of the game's protagonists to life. For a title that relies heavily on its aesthetic and player identity, Lindbeck’s excitement suggests that Bungie is leaning somewhat into character-driven appeal.
"I am one of the playable characters in [Marathon]," Lindbeck revealed. When asked about her initial impressions of the character, her assessment was blunt and high-energy: "She’s frigging awesome."
Cinematic Scope and Industrial Pedigree
Perhaps the most intriguing takeaway from the interview was the scale of the game’s narrative presentation. Lindbeck discussed a massive undertaking for a specific sequence that hints at a level of visual storytelling rarely seen in the genre.
"I got to do this beautiful cinematic, it’s like an eight-minute-long cinematic," she said.
The quality of this sequence is likely to be top-tier, as Lindbeck confirmed it was "directed by Alberto Mielgo who worked on Love, Death and Robots like the Jibaro episode." Mielgo is renowned for his hyper-stylized, visceral animation, suggesting that Marathon will be as much a visual feast as a competitive shooter.
The "100th Job" Mentality
For Lindbeck, who has voiced everyone from Black Cat in Marvel's Spider-Man to Barbie, Marathon represents a peak creative experience. She described the collaborative atmosphere at Bungie as a refreshing departure from the more "soulless" side of the industry.
"I walked outta the booth, and I went, I do 99 jobs so that the hundredth can be this," she told Kyle. This "100th job" philosophy highlights her passion for the project, noting that the team at Bungie is "people who are really, truly co-collaborators and want your input."
Marathon’s Voice Cast Is Packed With Big Names
Bungie confirms that the English voice cast of Marathon features some major names that have lent their talents to the upcoming extraction shooter.
Marching Toward 2026
With the game currently slated for a March 5, 2026, release, fans are hungry for any scrap of information regarding how Marathon will differentiate itself from the crowded shooter market. If Lindbeck’s enthusiasm and the involvement of world-class animators like Mielgo are any indication, Bungie is aiming for something far more ambitious than a simple reboot.
Lindbeck summed up her current outlook on the project with high spirits, stating: "One month into the year, baby. I’m like, I have high hopes. Don’t disappoint me. 2026. I’m really excited."
As the March release window approaches, players can likely expect a more formal deep dive from Bungie, but for now, Lindbeck’s "frigging awesome" character and an eight-minute cinematic masterpiece are plenty to keep the hype train moving.