The voice acting industry often requires countless auditions and facing rejection, but for Paul Castro Jr., the path to Midgar was surprisingly straightforward. In a recent interview, Castro revealed that landing the role of Billy in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth fulfilled a lifelong dream. This is a rare case where one audition earned a place in one of gaming’s top franchises. Having grown up as a fan of the series, Castro described this opportunity as a “dream job” that confirms years of hard work in the voice-over booth.
Castro is familiar with the demands of major RPGs, having previously contributed his voice to well-known titles like Genshin Impact and NEO: The World Ends With You. However, working on a Final Fantasy project carries a different level of pressure. For an actor, being part of a remake of a 1997 classic means entering a world filled with decades of lore and a devoted fanbase. Castro’s approach to Billy—a character central to the Chocobo segments of the game—was based on his respect for the series’ history and his desire to make a meaningful contribution to its modern version.
The casting process for a project of this size is usually demanding, often involving several callbacks and chemistry tests. Castro’s success in landing the role on his first and only audition highlights a natural fit between his vocal range and the character’s personality. He mentioned that his enthusiasm for the role was genuine, driven by his personal connection to the source material. This authenticity often differentiates a typical performance from one that truly connects with players, especially in a narrative-focused game like Rebirth.
As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues to broaden the original PlayStation classic, the role of the supporting cast has become increasingly important. For Castro, this experience meant more than just a paycheck; it was about making a lasting impression on the franchise that influenced his view of gaming. His journey from fan to cast member reflects the passion that fuels the creative side of the industry, demonstrating that sometimes, the right voice at the right moment is all it takes to become part of Gaia’s history.
