Jennifer Hale on Commander Shepard’s Return in Mass Effect 5: “I Would Love It” but “No Idea”

As the development of Mass Effect 5 progresses, one burning question lingers: Will we see another Krogan as memorable as Wrex? And, of course, fans are eager to know if Commander Shepard will make a comeback. Jennifer Hale, the iconic voice behind female Shepard, is enthusiastic about the possibility of returning.

“I have no idea,” Hale shared on the Behind the Voice podcast when asked about Shepard’s potential involvement in the next installment. “This is what I say to fans: If you want Shepard in the next game, please email them and tell them, because maybe they’ll respond to that.”

While she admits she has no insider information regarding a possible return for Shepard, she expresses her desire, stating, “I would love it.” The fifth mainline Mass Effect game was hinted at during the 2020 The Game Awards, but details have been scarce since then.

BioWare is reportedly still at the helm of the series’ development, but the current state of Mass Effect 5 and other projects remains uncertain. The studio has faced challenges, including layoffs and a lukewarm reception for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, leading to speculation about the future direction of the studio, especially following EA’s recent buyout announcement.

Hale has consistently voiced her interest in rejoining the franchise. In October 2025, she mentioned that it would be a brief conversation, and by the following December, she reaffirmed her enthusiasm, alongside Mark Meer, the voice of male Shepard, who is equally eager to step back into the role of the commander.

Whether this will lead to anything concrete or if Shepard will even be part of the game is still up in the air. However, Hale’s suggestion is worth considering: if you want more Mass Effect, you know who to reach out to (respectfully).

A former BioWare executive suggested that the developers of Mass Effect 5 should use Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a “scapegoat” to secure what they need from EA.