Charlie Cox is the man of the hour, and one part of that is due to the recent success of Daredevil: Born Again. Matt Murdock is finally the star of his own show set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his latest adventure is everything fans could've asked for (except for Foggy's fate, that is). Better yet, the finale perfectly sets up the scene for a bigger and better season 2 that's slated to be released in 2026. But beyond the superhero realm, Charlie has also been at the center of conversation for his role in one of 2025's most critically acclaimed video games.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a passion project developed by roughly 30 people that surpasses the heights reached by big and renowned gaming studios. Its melancholic and moving soundtrack is matched by jaw-dropping next-gen visuals, and an addictive turn-based combat system that flawlessly incorporates real-time mechanics into the mix. But perhaps the game's greatest strengths are its enigmatic story and ensemble of amazing characters that simply feel like real people.
Well, wouldn't you know it, but Charlie Cox gives life to one of the most pivotal characters in all of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Daredevil star Charlie Cox is Gustave in Clair Obscure: Expedition 33
Charlie Cox's Gustave is a brilliant engineer who has one single goal in mind: To allow new generations to live more than just a few decades. See in the world of Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, a powerful, god-like being known as The Paintress "paints" a sequentially decreasing number every passing year in an event known as the Gommage. Everyone who is the same age as the painted number turns into petals and vanishes into thin air as if Thanos suddenly snapped his fingers and killed half of the life in the universe.
Without going into spoiler territory, the game's prologue is experienced through the eyes of Gustave as the paintress decreases the number in her monolith from 34 to 33. Believe me: it wouldn't be unusual if you shed a tear or two within the first 30 minutes of gameplay. However, survivors don't just wait with their arms crossed as the world crumbles around them. In their final year of life (previous to their Gommage), a group of volunteers join an expedition that aims to reach The Paintress and put an end to her seemingly senseless killing. Well, wouldn't you know it, but Charlie Cox's Gustave is one of these brave expeditioners.
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has an impressive voice cast with even better performances, but Charlie Cox's definitely steals the spotlight. He makes Gustave feel like a real character filled with hope, sadness, and compassion. While Charlie is new to the video game world, and this is just his second-ever voice acting role after Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, his performance is off-the-charts. You could argue that some of the voice lines don't match the character's animations in a few scenes. But beyond that, you'll see nothing but praise for the character and the man who brought it to life.
Charlie Cox is the voice of Gustave, the lead engineer of Expedition 33.
— Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (@expedition33) November 28, 2024
Gustave grew up in Lumière under the Paintress’ shadow and has devoted his life to safeguarding the city.
With his final year ticking away, he is hell-bent on reclaiming a future for Lumière’s children. pic.twitter.com/7JB3D1R6GJ
As reported by Variety, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will get a movie adaptation. Sandfall Interactive, the developers of this mesmerizing adventure, might go from creating their first-ever video game directly to the big screen in a collaboration with Story Kitchen. Now, even if some players were quick to point out that Gustave physically looks like Robert Pattinson, Charlie Cox should be the man to portray the character in the film. After all, he already knows the lines (pun intended).
There's so much to discuss about Gustave and his impact in the story, but it's impossible to do so without entering spoiler territory. So the best course of action is to experience everything Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 has to offer for yourself without knowing any big surprises beforehand. There's a reason this beloved title is already called a Game of the Year contender, and why it's one of the best-reviewed video games of 2025 (as well as the highest-rated original game ever in the PlayStation store). I promise this adventure won't disappoint, and the first act alone is enough to cement Gustave as a truly iconic character in video game history who does everything in his power to help those who come after.
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is out now on all major consoles.