Biddy Blas, a diminutive reptilian racer from Star Wars: Galactic Racer, has unexpectedly captured the internet's attention, becoming a significant draw for the game through fan-made skits, memes, and online discourse. This surge in popularity has seemingly outpaced the game's critical reception, much to the surprise and delight of the development team and voice actor.
Richard Summers-Calvert, the voice behind Biddy Blas, recalled creating the character with an awareness of his inherent irritancy but no foreknowledge of the scale of his eventual success. "I knew we had created something special," Summers-Calvert told GameSpot. "I knew we created something people would really enjoy and [Blas] was going to be really irritating."
Nathaniel Daw, the game's music and narrative director, recounted the initial recording sessions. Early scripts, intentionally vague and using codenames, described Blas as a small character with a large ego. Summers-Calvert, despite the limited information, delivered a performance that immediately impressed the team. "About halfway through, he just lets out this incredible laugh," Daw recalled. "And that’s basically Biddy’s [current] laugh. And at that point, we sort of knew. It had the energy that is so infectious and that maniacal, constant sense of self-delusion that Biddy has."
Summers-Calvert described his initial vocal choices as a "bold start," acknowledging the risk involved in such a distinctive performance. The immediate laughter from the crew, while initially alarming to him as an actor, ultimately signaled the success of his approach. "Those choices can lead to the best performances," he noted. "So when the reaction was this visceral one of positivity, then I guess the team was like, ‘This is the way to go.’"
Daw highlighted the contrast between Blas's small stature and his boisterous personality as a key element of his comedic appeal. Summers-Calvert, who also performs as the professional wrestler "Charles Crowley," known as the "imp of professional wrestling," sees parallels between his wrestling persona and Blas. Both characters rely on charisma and an over-the-top demeanor. Summers-Calvert explained that Blas's charisma makes him invaluable, a quality he enjoys bringing to life.
He attributed his ability to embrace such energetic roles to overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of his mother at 16. His mother, a stuntwoman, comedian, and actor, served as an inspiration for his embracing of energy and self-expression. "I want to embrace that more. That side of me is there. That side of her is there," Summers-Calvert said, reflecting on his mother's influence. "So that energy and getting it out there with pride is something that I would love to have be infectious for other people and embrace that."
Summers-Calvert has actively engaged with the online phenomenon, sharing his positive reactions to fan creations on his social media. He cited a meme spoofing the Dune poster and an It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia-themed creation as personal favorites. A central element of the online fervor is Blas's signature catchphrase, "scrib doon," Huttese for "write it down." Summers-Calvert's unique delivery of this line has been credited with its viral success.
Despite the meme-driven popularity, Summers-Calvert believes Blas possesses a depth beyond his comedic presentation. He pointed to moments in the game where Blas reveals insecurities, particularly around women or when discussing his mother, as evidence of a more fleshed-out character. "It’s those little insecurities you see in his dialogue, for me, that make Biddy Blas," he stated.
Summers-Calvert's appreciation for character-driven experiences extends to his gaming preferences, citing titles like Baldur's Gate III and Mass Effect. He sees similar cinematic and stylistic qualities in Galactic Racer, particularly in its gameplay mechanics where upgrade choices have significant consequences. He has invested approximately 17 hours into the game and aims to reach rank 25 in multiplayer to unlock Blas.
The actor is set to attend MCM Comic-Con in London, a testament to the character's impact. While acknowledging the potential for meme fatigue, Summers-Calvert views the convention as an opportunity to celebrate the game's development and spread positivity. "It’s just all so positive," he said. "That’s just amazing. Let’s sit here and enjoy it. It’s such a satisfying thing to shout. Who would have thought it? So enjoy it, ride it, and if people want to shout it, I’ve done my job well. And therefore, any time I hear it, I’m proud of what I’ve helped create."