The trailer for Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow features the protagonist, a young woman named Magpie, as she discovers a peculiar mechanical eye that soon attaches itself to her. Before the audience can ponder the fate of her real eye, a familiar yet gruff voice breaks the silence: “I thought I was dead. And who are you?”

This voice belongs to Stephen Russell, the original actor for Garrett from the acclaimed Thief trilogy. Despite suspicions of AI imitation due to recent trends, Russell’s involvement has been confirmed in a YouTube message.

“We’ve had a long history together,” said Russell regarding his return, “and it’s so delightful to be back with him again. I’ve missed the old guy! He’s got such a great sense of humor, and they have perfectly captured that in this new game.”

Richard Bunn, the lead designer, shared insights into the game’s setting: “Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow takes place between the original trilogy and the 2014 reboot, centuries before the latter. The City is fractured, ruled by fear and surveillance, under the thumb of Baron Northcrest and his obsession with forbidden knowledge.”

Though some may feel disappointed about the game’s VR format, it is seen as a necessary evolution for the franchise, which has largely been absent in recent years. Fans are eager to hear Russell’s signature wit encapsulated in lines like, “A throne room! How pretentious can you get?”