Final Fantasy 7 Remake's Jessie Actor Was 'Devastated' by Her Character's Fate

Erica Lindbeck, who voiced Jessie in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, says playing the character was a 'bucket list role' but was heartbroken by her fate.

Ever wondered how an actor feels when their character meets a tragic end? For Erica Lindbeck, the voice behind Jessie in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, it was a mix of honor and heartbreak.

In a new interview, Lindbeck reveals that being cast as Jessie in the game's 2015 PSX trailer was "one of my first big things" in her career. "I mean, that's just a bucket list role for anybody, or project – especially FF7," she says. She recalls being anxious about whether Square Enix would keep her in the role and if the game would even get made. Thankfully, both fears were unfounded.

But there was one thing she didn't know when she took the job: Jessie's fate. In the remake, just like in the original 1997 JRPG, Jessie dies. And thanks to Lindbeck's performance and the extra detail the remake offers, it's more heartbreaking than ever.

"When they dug the knife – and they chose to dig the knife in even further, so to speak – I was devastated. I mean, I was just devastated," Lindbeck tells us. Despite the emotional toll, she remains philosophical: "But I think some deaths are necessary. I think that if you have a universe with no death, things feel less heavy and less permanent, and I think that's what gives life its meaning."

Lindbeck, who also voices Futaba in Persona 5 and Black Cat in the Marvel's Spider-Man games, clearly has a deep connection to her roles. Her portrayal of Jessie has resonated with fans, making the character's demise all the more impactful.

The interview also touches on the risk Square Enix took by splitting Final Fantasy 7 Remake into three parts. The director admitted that if the first game had been received poorly, they would have been in a tough spot. Fortunately, the game was a success, and the saga continues.

What do you think about Jessie's fate in the remake? Were you as devastated as Lindbeck? Let us know in the comments!