evan peters

Evan Peters Enters the Gaming World: A Satirical Adventure with Bradley the Badger

A surprising collaboration has emerged from The Game Awards 2025, linking acclaimed actor Evan Peters with former Mario + Rabbids creative lead Davide Soliani.

In a move that has captured the attention of both film enthusiasts and gaming aficionados, a new project titled Bradley the Badger has been announced. This upcoming platformer isn't just another indie title; it represents a significant crossover of talent, bringing Hollywood star power to the forefront of a bold, satirical video game project.

This development marks a fascinating intersection of pop culture and interactive entertainment, suggesting a growing trend where high-profile actors are taking more integral roles in the gaming medium beyond standard voice work.

The Unexpected Reveal at The Game Awards

The gaming community was treated to a major surprise during The Game Awards 2025. Davide Soliani, the celebrated creator behind the Mario + Rabbids series, stepped forward to unveil his latest venture. The announcement wasn't just about a new studio or a generic sequel, but a very specific, character-driven game: Bradley the Badger.

According to reports from IGN, Soliani’s new project is a "wild, satirical love letter to video games." Perhaps the most striking element of this reveal was the confirmation that the game stars none other than Evan Peters.

Peters, widely recognized for his compelling performances in series like American Horror Story and the titular role in Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, is stepping into the digital realm. While many actors lend their voices to animated characters, the specific phrasing that Peters "stars" in the game suggests a deeper level of involvement, potentially capturing his likeness and mannerisms for a narrative-heavy experience.

"Bradley the Badger is a wild, satirical love letter to video games starring Evan Peters." — IGN

The reveal has sparked immediate curiosity. How will the dramatic intensity of Evan Peters translate into a satirical platformer? And what does this mean for the future of celebrity involvement in gaming?

Context: The Legacy of Davide Soliani

To understand the weight of this announcement, one must look at the reputation of its creator. Davide Soliani gained significant acclaim for his work on the Mario + Rabbids franchise. These titles, particularly Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and its sequel Sparks of Hope, were praised for taking a bizarre concept—combining Nintendo’s beloved plumber with Ubisoft’s chaotic Rabbids—and turning it into a critically acclaimed tactical RPG.

Soliani’s style is known for blending accessible gameplay with surprising depth and a lot of heart. His departure from the Mario + Rabbids universe was noted by the industry, but Bradley the Badger proves he isn't done innovating.

The description of the game as a "love letter to video games" aligns with Soliani’s history of paying homage to the medium while pushing boundaries. By choosing a satirical angle, the game is likely to poke fun at gaming tropes, industry standards, and perhaps even celebrity culture itself.

Evan Peters: A New Dimension in Gaming

Evan Peters is the headline draw here. In the Australian entertainment market, where streaming platforms like Netflix and Stan have pushed his popularity to new heights, his name carries significant weight. Peters is known for disappearing into his roles, often portraying complex, troubled, or eccentric characters.

His involvement in Bradley the Badger raises several intriguing possibilities:

1. Motion Capture: It is highly probable that Peters is undergoing motion capture sessions to bring the game's characters to life with authentic physicality.
2. Narrative Depth: Soliani’s games are known for their stories. Peters’ ability to convey emotion could elevate the game's narrative beyond standard platformer fare.
3. Satirical Edge: The "wild" and "satirical" nature of the game fits Peters' range, allowing him to potentially play a version of himself or a character that deconstructs his previous intense roles.

As noted by Video Games Chronicle, this project is Soliani’s "Game Awards surprise," underscoring the secrecy and magnitude of the collaboration. For Australian fans, seeing an actor who has dominated local TV charts take the lead in a major gaming reveal is a point of national pride and interest.

What is "Bradley the Badger"? (Current Insights)

While the full details remain under wraps, we can piece together the nature of the game from the initial reports.

The Genre and Tone: The game is described as a platformer. However, the inclusion of "satirical" and "love letter" suggests it won't be a traditional Mario-style runner. Instead, expect a meta-commentary on the gaming industry. Think of games like The Stanley Parable or Death Stranding—titles that use their medium to speak directly to the player about the nature of the experience.

The Star Power: Polygon reports that the game "starring Evan Peters" is a central selling point. This implies that Peters is not just a side character but likely the protagonist or a primary narrator. This level of star power is rare in the platforming genre, usually reserved for massive AAA titles.

The Visuals: Though no screenshots have been officially released yet, the title Bradley the Badger and the "wild" description suggest a stylized, possibly cartoonish but edgy aesthetic. It is unlikely to aim for hyper-realism, leaning instead into expressive animation that suits the satirical tone.

Immediate Impact on the Industry

The announcement of Bradley the Badger has immediate ripple effects across the gaming and entertainment sectors.

Blurring the Lines Between Industries: This project solidifies the blurring line between Hollywood and the video game industry. We have seen actors like Keanu Reeves (Cyberpunk 2077) and Idris Elba (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty) take major roles, but those were within established AAA franchises. For a brand-new IP led by a former Ubisoft creative lead to secure an actor of Peters' caliber signals that the industry is viewed as a serious parallel to film and TV for high-profile talent.

The Indie/AA Renaissance: Soliani is operating outside the direct confines of the massive Mario + Rabbids structure (assuming his new studio is independent or smaller). This highlights a trend where veteran developers are leaving big publishers to create smaller, more personal, and creatively risky projects. The fact that they can attract A-list talent demonstrates that the "AA" or high-end indie space is booming.

Marketing Shift: The reveal at The Game Awards 2025, rather than a standard Nintendo or Ubisoft Direct, shows a strategic shift. The Game Awards have become the "Super Bowl" for gaming reveals. By dropping a bombshell like Evan Peters starring in a satirical platformer, Soliani ensured maximum media coverage and social media buzz.

Future Outlook: What to Expect Next

As we look toward the release of Bradley the Badger, several questions remain.

Gameplay Mechanics: Given Soliani’s background in tactical RPGs, will Bradley the Badger stick purely to platforming, or will it introduce strategic elements? The "love letter to games" description opens the door for genre-hopping mechanics.

Release Window: No release date has been set. However, given the announcement at The Game Awards 2025, a late 2026 or 2027 release seems realistic, allowing time for marketing beats and development polish.

The Australian Connection: For Australian audiences, the success of this game could pave the way for more local talent to be featured in international gaming projects. While Peters is American, his massive popularity in Australia makes this a relevant cultural touchstone. If the game features multiplayer or community events, it will be interesting to see how the Australian gaming community engages with it.

Conclusion

Bradley the Badger is more than just a new game; it is a statement. It represents the convergence of cinematic storytelling, celebrity influence, and satirical gaming culture. With Evan Peters at the helm and Davide Soliani behind the camera, the project is poised to be one of the most talked-about releases in the coming years.

For now, the gaming world waits with bated breath for the first true gameplay trailer. If the promise of a "wild, satirical love letter" holds true, Bradley the Badger might just be the breath of fresh air the platforming genre needs.