As development of Mass Effect 5 continues, there's one important question we're all asking: Will the cast include another Krogan as cool as Wrex? The second, of course, is will Commander Shepard make a return. Jennifer Hale, the beloved voice of the female Shepard, is keen to reprise the role.
"I have no idea," Hale tells the Behind the Voice podcast about whether Shepherd is lined up for the next game. "This is what I say to fans: If you want Shepard in the next game, please email them and tell them, because maybe they'll respond to that."
BioWare is apparently still handling development on the series, but the current status of Mass Effect 5 or anything else in development there is unknown. Between layoffs and a muted response to Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the studio's been going through a rough patch, and EA's recent buyout announcement has raised questions over long-term plans for any of the publisher’s subsidiaries.
Hale's been on the record repeatedly about her interest in coming back to the franchise. In October 2025, she mentioned it'd be a short conversation, and the following December, she doubled-down, alongside Mark Meer, the voice of male Shepard, who's just as keen to become the commander again.
Whether this will yield anything, or if Shepard is even involved in the game to begin with, remains to be seen. Hale's advice isn't the worst though: If you want more Mass Effect, you know who to ask (respectfully).
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
