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Question: Why in medieval type films are the actors mostly british!?
I mean even computer games with a medieval twist all the voicing is done by british people!.
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Because 'medieval' generally refers to the period of history from around the 5th century to 15th century in Europe, and in particular England!. It is synonymous with such legends as King Arthur, Robin Hood etc!., all of which are British, and so the most common language used for depictions of this period is English, spoken by English (or British) actors!.
I'm going to optimistically assume that you don't mean "why British and not American!?" as obviously to use an American actor to portray a role that relates to a period of history before America was even discovered would be as ridiculous as having a Japanese actor play the role of George Washington!.

Edit: Ok, I think I see what you're getting at; you're also talking about things such as Roman Empire films etc!. yes!? Well, around that time and in those areas the most common languages were Ancient Greek and Latin, both of which gave birth to most modern European languages!. And as most of these films/games are made for an English speaking audience the most logical choice of actor would be British as this gives it the most realistic feel short of being in Latin/Ancient Greek with subtitles!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Consider it like this: North America doesn't exist yet!. Most of these films aim for English-speakers!. Despite a lot of Europe also speaking English, most North Americans would think non-English Europeans speaking English would be stupid!. That leaves them!.!.!. the United Kingdom, mostly!.

And it's a selling point-- as bad as it sounds, the British can be portrayed every way imaginable: smart, heroic, funny, et cetera!. "Old" is also one of their stronger points!. A lot of people would rather see the British portray a revitalizing movie of the Iliad than they would want to see of the Spanish or of the Maltans or of the Russians or of the!.!.!. you get the point!.

I hope this has helped you out just a little bit!!
Hayley!. : )Www@QuestionHome@Com

Because we brits have traceable ancestry - a history of ages if you will!.

Americans however have no history that goes back further than when they robbed the land from the "native" americans when they "discovered" that great land of USA!.

Hence - brits will be used in medieval films cos it was us who it happened to!.!.!. whether they be descendant from saxon, nordic or any other country that invaded our little island! Www@QuestionHome@Com

Well, it could simply be that america hadn't been discovered in medieval times and it would be pretty silly therefore if they spoke in an american medieval accent!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the (Air) Waves!
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YANK READING SHAKESPEAR!?

NA YOUR AVIN A LARF

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I think it's because by the way we speak!.Www@QuestionHome@Com