The Expanse Shares New Look At Jim Holden's Official Replacement

Published Nov 14, 2026, 1:00 AM EST

Nicholas Becher is a gaming journalist with an MFA in Creative Writing from FAU. With extensive experience playing video games, he covers all forms of gaming content at Screen Rant, from breaking news to the latest fan theories. Most-played games range from Clair Obscur to Civ to Elden Ring to Halo 2 and beyond. 

The Expanse has earned its place among the best modern sci-fi franchises, with James S.A. Corey's original novels and the acclaimed television adaptation offering a unique take on humanity's future in space. Although the franchise's politics, realistic approach to space travel, and ambitious world-building were all major selling points, much of its success ultimately came down to characters such as Jim Holden and the relationships between him and the rest of the Rocinante crew.

Aside from Holden, Naomi Nagata, Amos Burton, Alex Kamal, etc., all served as the emotional heart of a story that often dealt with much larger conflicts. The crew's complicated relationships and occasional disagreements, not to mention their unwavering loyalty to one another, helped make The Expanse feel much more personal.

With the original television series having concluded its six-season run, the franchise is now exploring new territory, and we're finally getting a closer look at the character poised to take Holden's place at the center of the action.

The Expanse is officially introducing a new captain to take Jim Holden's place at the center of the franchise, and we're finally getting a much closer look at him. Developer Owlcat Games has released a new video for its upcoming action RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, revealing an updated appearance and voice for the game's male protagonist (via RPGSite).

Unlike Holden, who was an established character with his own personality and backstory, the new captain will be fully customizable, allowing players to choose their appearance, gender, and whether they come from Earth, Mars, or the Belt. The story follows a Pinkwater Security mercenary whose visit to Eros Station goes disastrously wrong, eventually putting them in command of a powerful spaceship and a crew of their own.

The latest reveal focuses specifically on the default male version of the captain, who has undergone a considerable redesign following feedback from the game's closed beta. According to Owlcat, the goal was to move away from a generic military appearance and give the character a more distinctive look that feels natural within The Expanse universe. You can take a look at the reveal video here:

More importantly, the studio has also confirmed that voice actor Blythe Melin is taking over the role after the original performance received criticism from beta players. Melin's previous credits include Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and even Diablo 4.

Interestingly, Melin will technically be playing two characters: the captain and his identical twin brother, J, who has also received an updated appearance. J serves as the captain's second-in-command and has a more carefree personality, creating a sibling dynamic that could become an important part of the game's story.

Although Osiris Reborn is introducing an entirely new cast rather than bringing back Holden and the Rocinante crew as its central characters, the emphasis on companions, personal relationships, and difficult decisions should feel familiar to longtime fans.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is scheduled for release in spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. It will also be available through Xbox Game Pass at launch.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn

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