An Interview With Lee Majdoub And Sarah Beaulieu: Bringing Basim and Ninth-Century Baghdad to Life in Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Game Informer’s Wesley LeBlanc: What’s it been like playing a returning character in this series? I know you’re new to the role, but Basim was a big part of the previous Assassin’s Creed, and now he’s leading Mirage. So I’m curious: what’s that been like stepping into those shoes?

Lee Majdoub: Stepping into the shoes of a returning character has been a unique and exciting experience for me. While Basim was introduced in the previous Assassin’s Creed game, Mirage allows us to explore his early years and delve deeper into his journey of self-discovery. This new perspective offers a fresh and different take on the character, which has been both challenging and liberating as an actor.

Sarah Beaulieu: Basim’s role in Mirage is distinct from his previous appearance in Valhalla. We wanted to showcase his earlier years and his path towards becoming part of the Hidden Ones. This focus on his personal growth and search for identity has brought a new dimension to the character. Working with Lee to bring Basim to life in Mirage has been a collaborative and fulfilling process.

Bringing Mirage and Ninth-Century Baghdad to Life

LeBlanc: Assassin’s Creed fans have a deep connection with the series’ protagonists. What’s it been like joining the ranks of beloved characters like Ezio and Edward Kenway?

Majdoub: Joining the ranks of beloved Assassin’s Creed characters is a dream come true for me. As a big video game enthusiast, I’ve always aspired to be part of the gaming industry, and getting the opportunity to portray a character like Basim in such a massive franchise is incredibly fulfilling. The amount of love and attention to detail that the whole team has poured into Mirage is truly inspiring.

Beaulieu: It’s an honor to be part of a franchise that has such a dedicated fan base. Assassin’s Creed has created iconic characters that players connect with on a personal level. In Mirage, we aimed to bring something new and positive to Basim’s character, allowing players to see him in a different light.

LeBlanc: This is the first Assassin’s Creed game in a while that’s bringing us back to the Middle Eastern roots of the series. Lee, as someone with Lebanese heritage, what’s it been like to see this rich Middle Eastern culture come to life in such a major game?

Majdoub: It has been a profound experience for me to see Middle Eastern culture portrayed in a positive light in Mirage. Growing up, I had some personal struggles with embracing my Middle Eastern identity, but in recent years, I’ve been actively reconnecting with and embracing my Lebanese heritage. Mirage’s depiction of Ninth-Century Baghdad and its multiculturalism has been both eye-opening and heartwarming. It’s an opportunity to showcase the beauty and history of the region to a global audience.

Beaulieu: As someone not from the Middle East, my approach was to make sure we represented the culture authentically and respectfully. Ninth-Century Baghdad was a hub of knowledge and diversity, and it’s unfortunate that its historical significance isn’t widely known. With Mirage, we wanted to bring this rich history to the forefront and challenge preconceived notions about the region. By creating a vibrant and immersive world, we hope players will develop a personal connection with the setting and gain a deeper appreciation for Middle Eastern culture.

The Challenges and Rewards of Voicing Basim

LeBlanc: Lee, this is your first major role in a video game. What’s it been like to finally have a voice in the gaming world, especially in such a prominent franchise?

Majdoub: It’s been a long journey to break into the gaming industry, and being cast as Basim in Mirage is a dream come true for me. I’ve always been passionate about video games, and to have the opportunity to be part of a franchise like Assassin’s Creed is incredibly rewarding. My excitement and dedication to the role were evident from day one, and the whole team has been incredibly supportive and collaborative throughout the process.

Beaulieu: Lee brought an infectious enthusiasm and commitment to the role. His passion elevated the recording sessions and pushed the writing and performances to new heights. It’s been a pleasure working with him to bring Basim to life.

The Depth of Basim’s Character and the Beauty of Ninth-Century Baghdad

LeBlanc: When players finish Mirage, what do you hope they take away from Basim as a character?

Beaulieu: I hope that players will connect with Basim on an emotional level and find aspects of his journey relatable. Basim’s character is fueled by pain, self-discovery, and the desire to understand his place in the world. By exploring these universal themes, I hope players will reflect on their own lives and experiences. Basim’s evolution throughout the game offers an opportunity for personal growth and introspection.

Majdoub: My hope is that players will have an emotional response to Basim as a character, whether they agree with his choices or not. By understanding the motivations and struggles of the character, players can develop a deeper appreciation for Basim’s journey. Additionally, I hope that Mirage’s portrayal of Ninth-Century Baghdad will inspire players to learn more about the rich history and cultural significance of the Middle East.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be released on PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Luna, and PC on October 5, with an iOS release planned for next year. For more exclusive coverage, previews, and interviews, be sure to check out Game Informer’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage hub.