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Resident Evil: Two Heroes, One Mission: Nicole Tompkins and Nick Apostolides was one of the many panels at Fan Expo San Francisco 2025.
Nick Apostolides and Nicole Tompkins have grown to become beloved performers since taking on the role of the iconic heroes from the Resident Evil series. Apostolides is best known for his role as Leon S. Kennedy, while Tompkins is known for her role as Jill Valentine. Together, they were at Fan Expo San Francisco 2025 to share their experience with the fans.
Resident Evil: Two Heroes, One Mission: Nicole Tompkins and Nick Apostolides took place in Theater 2 on Day 1 of Fan Expo San Francisco 2025. The panel featured the two performers sharing their experience on working on the Resident Evil games. This was a look at some of the major topics discussed during the panel, highlighting not only the game but also how the actors developed their characters and the journeys that brought them to this moment.
The panel began with a discussion about their earliest gaming memories before entering the industry. Apostolides’ introduction came from playing Pitfall on the Atari and Super Mario on the NES. Tompkins first experienced games on the Nintendo DS, enjoying Mario Kart, Super Monkey Ball, and several educational titles on the PC. This was followed by an audience poll asking about everyone’s introduction to video games. Most attendees said they were introduced through a SEGA or Nintendo console from the 1990s.
Then it was time to get into how they got cast as their respective characters in Resident Evil. Tompkins began by recounting how she submitted her audition tape to play Jill Valentine in the Resident Evil 3 remake. She was later invited to a callback, where she met her future co-stars Jeff Schine and Neil Newbon. Between their auditions, she received helpful feedback that allowed her to refine her performance while preparing for her turn. Apostolides recalled how the Resident Evil 2 remake had no codename, which meant he faced intense competition from performers eager to play Leon S. Kennedy. However, being a longtime fan of the series gave him an advantage, allowing him to express his passion for the franchise in a way that was genuinely taken into consideration.
Next was an insight into working with motion capture technology, including the technical demands and physical challenges. Tompkins described the process as an exercise in imagination that relies heavily on the performers around you. Apostolides expanded on this by explaining how working with other actors requires reading their body language to understand what the scene needs. Drawing from his own background, he added that his experience in action films, stunt work, and weapons training helped prepare him for the role. Going more in-depth about using the motion capture suit, they both noted its limitations during actions like eating, kissing, or smoking, as these movements can interfere with the data being recorded. The technology has improved since the development of Resident Evil 2, but each studio’s budget determines whether they use the latest equipment or gear that may be several years old.
Besides discussing motion-capture technology, both actors explained how they brought their own personality and creativity to shaping their characters in the remake. Apostolides frequently offered input as a longtime fan while striving to portray the ideal version of Leon for each moment. When comparing Leon in Resident Evil 2 to his portrayal in Resident Evil 4, he emphasized playing him as a naïve rookie in the earlier game who gradually grows into a wiser, more seasoned character by the fourth entry.
Following the success of the Resident Evil remakes, both actors have enjoyed attending fan conventions. Beyond meeting fans, they’ve spent time exploring the artist alley, often having to restrain themselves from buying more fan art than they should.
Resident Evil: Two Heroes, One Mission: Nicole Tompkins and Nick Apostolides was one of the many panels that looked into a work of pop culture from the perspective of the performers. There were many such events organized during the Fan Expo San Francisco 2025.
Did you get a chance to check out Fan Expo SF 2025? If so then share your story in the comment section below.
Disclaimer: Fan Expo provided me with a pass for the weekend.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
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