Surgent Studios has unveiled its leading stars for the upcoming psychological horror title Dead Take, and it’s a powerhouse pairing: BAFTA-winning actor Neil Newbon (Baldur’s Gate 3) and Golden Joystick recipient Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI). The two acclaimed performers will share the role of a mysterious figure known as “Willie” in a bold and unsettling narrative experience.

Announced via a gripping new trailer, Dead Take is a live-action, first-person psychological horror game that blends haunting visuals, actor-driven storytelling, and escape room-style gameplay. The story unfolds in a lavish yet desolate mansion in the Hollywood Hills, where players take on the role of a struggling actor invited to a star-studded party only to awaken the next day with a missing friend and no memory of what happened.

Dual Role, Dual Reality

In a unique creative twist, both Newbon and Starr portray two sides of the same character. Ben Starr plays Chase Lowry, while Neil Newbon portrays Vinny Monroe two personas of the enigmatic Willie, whose identity and motivations are central to the game’s mystery. Their performances are designed to overlap and interact, creating a layered narrative that explores themes of ego, fame, trauma, and identity.

“I’ve never done anything like this,” said Starr in the reveal trailer. “It’s a psychological rollercoaster. The dual performance allows us to show how fragmented identity can become under pressure.”

Newbon echoed this sentiment, adding: “We’re not just telling a horror story we’re exploring what it means to lose control of yourself. It’s deeply personal and terrifying in ways that go far beyond jump scares.”

From Stage to Game

Both actors bring considerable pedigree to the table. Ben Starr was widely praised for his role as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI, delivering an emotionally grounded performance that earned him global recognition. Neil Newbon, meanwhile, became a fan-favourite for his portrayal of the charismatic vampire Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, a role that showcased his range and earned him multiple performance awards.

The decision to cast both actors in the same role was intentional, according to Surgent Studios’ creative director Abubakar Salim.

“This story is about duality, about who we are when no one’s watching. Having Ben and Neil two uniquely gifted performers bring that to life was crucial. Their chemistry, even as two halves of one character, is electric.”

Immersive Horror with Live-Action Flair

Dead Take leans into a hybrid storytelling style, combining first-person gameplay with high-quality live-action footage. The game will task players with solving intricate puzzles, navigating surreal environments, and uncovering the dark secrets of a party gone horribly wrong.

With influences from psychological thrillers like Her Story and Silent Hill, Dead Take aims to offer more than just scares. According to Salim, the team is pulling from their own experiences within the film and gaming industries to tell a story that feels authentic, personal, and disturbingly real.

“This game is a reflection of the entertainment industry the illusions we buy into, and the selves we hide. It’s not just horror. It’s confession.”

Dead Take is currently in development for PC, with a Steam release planned for later in 2025. While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, the game is available to Wishlist now. Given the star power involved and the ambition behind the narrative, Dead Take is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing indie horror releases of the year.

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