You’ve definitely heard Matthew Waterson. Even if you don't recognize the face immediately, that deep, resonant voice is everywhere. It’s in the wasteland of Fallout 4, the magical halls of Hogwarts Legacy, and most recently, it’s the voice of one of Marvel’s most iconic "villains" (or misunderstood revolutionaries, depending on who you ask).
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how many massive franchises he’s touched.
Waterson is one of those rare performers who bridges the gap between the gritty world of AAA video games and the high-energy vibe of Saturday morning cartoons. He was born in Los Angeles but grew up in the UK. That dual-heritage thing gives him a unique "mid-Atlantic" versatility that casting directors basically drool over. He can sound like a posh British aristocrat or a rugged American soldier without breaking a sweat.
The Magneto Era: Why Everyone is Talking About Matthew Waterson Now
If you haven't seen X-Men '97 yet, you're missing out on what many are calling the best Marvel project in years. Waterson stepped into the massive shoes of Magneto, taking over for the late, great David Hemlen. That’s a lot of pressure. But he absolutely nailed it.
He brings this weary, sophisticated gravity to Erik Lehnsherr. It’s not just a cartoon performance; it’s Shakespearean. People were genuinely shocked by the emotional range he displayed, especially during the "Genosha" arc. It’s arguably the most high-profile role in the list of Matthew Waterson movies and tv shows, and it’s solidified him as a powerhouse in the voice acting world.
But he didn’t just appear out of nowhere.
Before the Cape: Trollhunters and Dreamworks
Long before he was leading the Brotherhood of Mutants, Waterson was a staple in Guillermo del Toro’s Tales of Arcadia universe. If you have kids—or if you’re just a fan of great animation—you know Draal the Deadly.
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Draal started as a rival to the main character in Trollhunters and turned into one of the most loyal allies in the show. Waterson voiced Draal across:
- Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
- 3Below
- Wizards
He also took over the role of Phil in The Croods: Family Tree, following Peter Dinklage. Taking over a role from a massive star like Dinklage is no small feat, but Waterson’s comedic timing actually fits the "Family Tree" series perfectly. It's a bit lighter than his usual brooding roles, which shows he’s got more than just the "tough guy" voice in his repertoire.
Video Games: From the Doom Slayer to the Wasteland
If you’re a gamer, your interaction with Matthew Waterson movies and tv shows (well, mostly the "shows" and interactive media) probably goes back a decade.
Remember Virgil in Fallout 4? The super mutant scientist hiding in the Glowing Sea? That was him. He managed to make a giant, green monster sound vulnerable and intellectual. It’s one of those performances that sticks with you because it’s so unexpected.
Then there’s DOOM Eternal. He’s the voice of the Doom Slayer.
Think about that for a second. The Slayer doesn't talk much, but when he does, it has to carry the weight of a thousand demons he’s just ripped apart. Waterson provides that guttural, terrifying presence.
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And we can't forget Hogwarts Legacy.
In the 2023 mega-hit, he pulled double duty as Professor Aesop Sharp and Ranrok. Professor Sharp is that classic, stern-but-fair Potions master (very Snape-adjacent), while Ranrok is the revolutionary goblin leader. Playing both the mentor and the antagonist in the same game is a huge flex of his range.
A Quick Rundown of Notable Roles
Let’s look at some other places he’s popped up. It’s a long list.
- Castlevania: He played Dragan in the Netflix series.
- DOTA: Dragon's Blood: He voiced Zet (The Arc Warden).
- The Order: 1886: He was Alastair D'Argyll.
- Halo Wars 2: He voiced Douglas-042.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: He played Torque.
- Horizon Forbidden West: He lent his voice to various roles in this massive open world.
He also showed up in Love, Death & Robots recently, specifically in the "Golgotha" segment. If you haven't seen that show, it’s basically a fever dream of high-end animation, and Waterson fits right into that prestige vibe.
What Makes Him Different?
A lot of voice actors have a "signature" sound they can't quite escape. You hear them and go, "Oh, that's that guy."
With Waterson, it’s different. He’s a chameleon.
He’s talked in interviews about his background in stage acting in New York and London. That classical training is why his characters feel like real people, even when they’re eight-foot-tall trolls or blue-skinned mutants. He treats a script for a video game the same way he’d treat a play by Ibsen or Shakespeare.
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He also does a ton of audiobook narration. If you look up his name on Audible, you’ll find everything from gritty westerns like Blood Meridian to complex sci-fi. Narrating a book is a marathon; you have to keep the listener engaged for 15+ hours. That kind of stamina is exactly why he’s so reliable for long-running TV series.
The Future for Matthew Waterson
As we move through 2026, his plate is looking pretty full. With the massive success of X-Men '97, it’s almost certain we’ll be hearing a lot more of his Magneto. There are also rumors and credits popping up for upcoming sequels in the gaming world—though he’s usually sworn to secrecy by NDAs.
He recently appeared in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as Mortimer, proving he's still deeply embedded in the gaming industry. Whether it’s a high-budget Marvel production or a niche anime dub like Beastars (where he played Yahya), he seems to choose projects that have a bit of "soul" to them.
How to Follow His Work
If you’re looking to catch up on the best Matthew Waterson movies and tv shows, here is how you should prioritize your binge-watching:
- Watch X-Men '97 on Disney+: This is his masterclass. Even if you aren't a comic book nerd, the performance is stellar.
- Play Hogwarts Legacy: Listen for the contrast between the cold Professor Sharp and the fiery Ranrok.
- Binge Trollhunters on Netflix: It’s Guillermo del Toro, so the writing is top-tier, and Draal is a fan-favorite for a reason.
- Check out Castlevania: It's dark, gritty, and shows off his ability to play menacing villains.
The coolest thing about Waterson is that he’s clearly a fan of the medium. He shows up at conventions like WonderCon and Metro Comic Con, and he actually gets the lore. He's not just a guy reading lines in a booth for a paycheck; he's part of the fabric of modern geek culture.
Keep an eye on the credits of the next big RPG or animated epic you dive into. Odds are, Matthew Waterson is in there somewhere, probably playing someone very powerful, very tired, or very dangerous.
To stay updated on his latest roles, keep an eye on his official social media channels or check the updated filmography on sites like IMDb or Behind the Voice Actors. Most of his newest work is currently streaming on Disney+, Netflix, and Max, so you can start your deep dive there today.