David Menkin Discusses the Unique Challenges Behind Capcom's New Sci-Fi Epic, Pragmata

With Capcom’s Pragmata finally available to the public as of April 17, 2026, actor David Menkin is reflecting on the journey of portraying the game’s protagonist, Hugh. The long-anticipated third-person shooter, set against the backdrop of a lunar research base, presented Menkin with a unique set of challenges distinct from his previous work in established franchises.

In a recent interview, Menkin described the experience of working on a new intellectual property (IP) as both liberating and demanding. Unlike his roles in titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 or Final Fantasy XVI, where character expectations are often pre-established, Pragmata required him to build the character of Hugh from the ground up. He noted that the process involved a deep level of trust in the creative team to ensure the character resonated with players.

A Separate Yet Connected Performance

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the logistics of modern voice acting. While the cast was initially brought together for a table read—an opportunity Menkin praised for providing essential context—the bulk of the recording took place in isolation. He and co-star Grace Saif, who voices the android Diana, recorded their lines separately.

Menkin explained that to maintain the chemistry required for the game's central relationship, he would often ensure he was behind in the recording schedule. This allowed him to listen to Saif’s completed takes before recording his own responses, a technique he likened to acting against a placeholder object in CGI film production.

Life Imitating Art

The actor also touched on the thematic coincidences of his career. Having portrayed historical figures like Neil Armstrong in the past, Menkin has frequently found himself drawn to narratives involving space exploration. This passion came full circle with the release of Pragmata coinciding with real-world developments in lunar missions. Despite his enthusiasm for the genre, he recalled having to remain tight-lipped about the project until its official release, navigating strict embargoes that kept even close family members in the dark about his involvement.