Esquie has quickly captured the hearts of players in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but the creative DNA behind this whimsical companion—and the legendary characters that inspired him—might surprise you.
The gaming community has already fallen for Esquie’s infectious energy, particularly the “whee” and “whoo” soundbites that have become synonymous with the character. But what exactly informed the personality of this gentle giant? As it happens, the inspiration came from two iconic Disney figures.
In a recent interview with Fall Damage, actor Maxence Cazorla revealed that the foundation for Esquie’s voice began with Mulan’s Chien-Po. “We needed to settle on a specific vocal identity,” Cazorla explains. “The initial reference from game director Guillaume Broche was Chien-Po.”
However, Cazorla felt the character needed another layer of charm. “For some reason, I kept picturing Baymax from Big Hero 6,” he shared. “I feel like Esquie exists somewhere in the middle. Chien-Po has that steady, calm presence, while Baymax brings a certain innocent, lighthearted curiosity to the role.”
This fusion of a stoic giant and a lovable, inflatable healthcare companion has resulted in a standout character. Esquie now stands as a central figure in the Expedition 33 universe, alongside Maelle and the game’s protagonist, Gustave.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to these revelations. “Thinking of Esquie as a hybrid of Chien-Po and Baymax makes total sense,” one player noted. Another added, “I couldn’t put my finger on why he felt so familiar, but now it’s obvious. He’s the perfect blend of those two archetypes.”
While Cazorla expressed a deep fondness for the role and mentioned he “would love” to portray the character again, he noted that Esquie’s journey feels largely complete within the context of the current narrative.
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Source: gamesradar.com
