When Giancarlo Esposito teased that he was working on a huge video game project without revealing the name, many users were quick to guess games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars: Squadrons. Though it was soon later revealed that he would be a starring cast member of the upcoming Far Cry 6, there was one thing fans knew for sure: that Esposito could pull off a sophisticated villain.
But how did gamers come to make such an accurate prediction before the first reveals of Far Cry 6 installment? Not only by looking at Esposito's resume but also the particular way in which he encompasses the calculated evil mastermind, making him one of the most unique and revered television villains in his roles.
Dean Big Brother Almighty
Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Esposito would play a number of men on both sides of the law, sometimes a policeman and sometimes criminal, but one role stands out among the rest as prelude of his successful career to come. School Daze released in 1988, seeing Giancarlo Esposito at the ripe age of 30. This film is more of a musical dramedy and is a story about undergrads in a fraternity and sorority. Being set at a historically black college and featuring a completely BIPOC cast, the film touches on several issues like elitism, colorism, and hazing. Esposito's character Julian Eaves, better known as Dean Big Brother Almighty of Gamma Phi Gamma, plays a major role in these subject matter as the intimidating Dean in charge of pledgees, known for being on a constant power-trip.
Gus Fring
Gus Fring is, of course, Esposito's most renowned role, and perhaps the biggest turning point in his recognition as an actor. To this day, not only is this one of Esposito's most beloved roles, acting as a sort of symbol for his career, but an establishment of all he can do. His role as Gustavo began with the second to the fourth seasons of Breaking Bad. As the head of a major drug scheme, this is where the sophisticated villain was truly set in stone. He approaches murder, not as a moral dilemma, but a business obstacle.
Gus Fring is always looking for the most efficient solution to his problems, whether it's dealing a violent punishment to Walter and Jesse or coldly eliminating one of his closest associates. When the spinoff titled Better Call Saul was set into motion, a much deeper dive is seen for Gus, thanks to a very quick decision by the writers to add his character back into the mix. This is where, rather than auditioning for a role he feels suited for, roles are starting to be written with Esposito in mind.
Sydney Glass
While Esposito's contribution to Once Upon a Time is one of his larger television roles as he appears in more than just one episode while still being considered a guest star, it is definitely a lesser-known one. As the Magic Mirror, his human form of Sydney Glass, and formerly known as the Genie of Agrabah, he's a magical being with tremendous power. As the Evil Witch's spy, however, he spends much of his screentime delivering omniscient knowledge after falling in love with her but eventually sells her out to win his own freedom.
Major Tom Neville
Tom Neville wasn't meant to be a short-lived role, but due to the disappointment that was intended to be the next hit TV series known as Revolution, many might know that the series only ran for two short seasons. An antagonist-turned anti-hero of the story, the Major of the Monroe Militia's sad backstory gives context to a large character arc, suggesting the major role teetering between good and evil Esposito was intended to have. He begins as a loving husband and father working for an insurance company and ends as a ruthless war leader.
El Lazo
This role in Westworld was more or less a cameo for Esposito, however, but it is still a noteworthy mention as it follows a similar format as the rest of his characters. Similarly, it is also an astounding performance of a tragic tale where Westworld combines the near future with the reimagined past. Esposito appears only in the episode "Reunion" as El Lazo, and while the role is extremely short, it shows just how much power his character holds when El Lazo's entire following instantly commits suicide at a single-sentence command.
Moff Gideon
Though Gideon only first appeared in the second to last episode of The Mandalorian season one, it's clear based on the show's implications that he'll be playing a much bigger role in episodes to come. Like many of Esposito's noteworthy roles, Gideon doesn't hesitate to kill anyone that steps out of line or gets in his way. Similarly, he "seems to know everything about everyone," says Esposito on playing the character. As another ruthless war leader, Gideon also climbed his way to the top through the employment of his conniving scheming and sharp mind.
Anton Castillo
By now, Esposito has fully and completely grounded himself as the mastermind. Not impeded by the stunning graphics used by Ubisoft's cinematic trailer of Far Cry 6, the role of Anton Castillo isn't the first gaming performance Esposito has done. Here, however, he takes the role of El Presidente of Yara after seeing his father executed in front of him. Now, he intends to restore Yara to its former glory by any ruthless means necessary. In the cinematic trailer, Castillo can be seen calmly smoking above a violent revolution, perhaps a reflection of the past selves Esposito has encompassed.
Esposito's career history is massive and includes so much more than the roles highlighted here, but he has certainly succeeded in creating his own character to fill the mastermind roles, bringing a unique life to them that would be exceptionally different if they had not been given to Esposito. Though players will have to wait until next year to see how Anton Castillo and his son Diego's stories pan out, it'll be interesting to see how Esposito's next role plays out.
Far Cry 6 launches February 18, 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.