A Cherished Farewell: Hannah Telle & Rhianna DeVries on Max and Chloe's Legacy in Life is Strange: Reunion

Actors Hannah Telle and Rhianna DeVries, who portray Max and Chloe respectively in the upcoming "Life is Strange: Reunion," shared profound reflections on their roles. Telle recalled accepting the part during a personal period of uncertainty, finding solace in a character that embraced qualities she once viewed as flaws. This interview delves into their decade-long connection with the iconic "Life is Strange" heroines, first introduced over ten years ago as two young women navigating life's challenges, alongside supernatural elements—specifically Max's ability to manipulate time.

For Telle, embodying Max proved to be a pivotal "lifeline" during a phase of significant self-discovery. She described the year-long process of developing the video game's lead character as a transformative "growth journey," noting how she and Max matured in tandem, creating a deeply meaningful and impactful experience. Telle, who candidly admitted her own shyness and self-doubt hindered her acting career, found that Max's character perfectly aligned with her own quieter, more anxious nature. She expressed immense fondness for how the role allowed her to embrace these aspects. As Max evolved into a more self-assured "superhero" by the original game's conclusion, Telle too felt empowered, growing stronger alongside her character.

Max's character arc is profoundly shaped by Chloe, whose relationship forms the emotional core of the initial game, intricately linking their stories through shared experiences and the strange occurrences in Arcadia Bay. While Ashly Burch originally voiced Chloe, Rhianna DeVries took over the role from "Before the Storm" onwards. DeVries described her journey as a "wild ride," recalling how at 18, she responded to a "crazy" Facebook casting call for a teenage girl's voice and motion capture. Initially hired only for motion capture in "Before the Storm," DeVries seized the opportunity when voice auditions opened. She vividly recounted the moment the performance director subtly informed her she landed the voice role, cautioning her to "be cool" to avoid disrupting motion capture markers—a moment of such elation she playfully admitted almost "peeing herself."

DeVries described the experience as "absolutely incredible," feeling a unique connection with Chloe that surpassed other roles she played. Like Telle, DeVries credits her "Life is Strange" character with boosting her real-world confidence. She explained that Chloe taught her the power of tenacity in navigating social interactions, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and staying true to one's values.

Max and Chloe clearly transcend mere fictional roles for both Telle and DeVries, fostering a deeply symbiotic relationship with their portrayers. This profound connection extends globally; since their 2015 debut, countless fans have resonated deeply with the girls and their narratives. DeVries admitted she initially underestimated the game's far-reaching impact, only later realizing the extent to which it shaped players' self-perception, sexuality, and gender identity—a realization she considers a tremendous honor. Telle affirmed DeVries' sentiments, highlighting how the bond between Max and Chloe symbolizes various aspects for diverse audiences: the strength of friendship, the weight of emotional choices, and the profound influence of formative life events. She described her involvement as the greatest adventure and honor of her career, calling it "extremely touching and profound," a "biggest blessing" she doesn't take lightly.

Despite the overwhelming affection surrounding Max and Chloe, the "Life is Strange" community harbors some apprehension. Many players considered the conclusion of the first game to be the definitive end for Max and Chloe, with Chloe's fate sealing her demise in certain narrative paths. The prospect of her return, even in a world of time travel and supernatural abilities, has stirred mixed feelings. When asked about the reunion, Telle stressed the immense importance of approaching their characters' return with "care, love, and caution." She underscored the necessity of acknowledging the intricate dynamics that arise when characters reunite after years apart, having evolved individually, yet still bound by a rich and impactful shared history. Telle clarified that the game isn't merely about nostalgia but a continuation of a story she always wished to explore. Emphasizing the sanctity of their relationship, she explained the team's commitment to portraying the complexities of their reunion with profound intimacy and depth. She likened their story to a quote about true friendship enduring time, distance, and silence, highlighting how Max and Chloe, despite their deep mutual influence, have many unspoken aspects to navigate as mature adults figuring out their renewed connection.

DeVries echoed Telle's assurances, affirming that everyone involved in "Reunion" is treating Max and Chloe's return with immense care and respect. She emphasized the privilege of being part of a project that honors the story's deep meaning for so many. Discussing her transition into the role after Ashly Burch, DeVries explained her meticulous research process, integrating "every piece of data" to authentically embody Chloe and fully honor the character. She praised the writers and team for fostering a welcoming environment. Regarding any disappointment from fans about the casting change, DeVries sees diverse opinions as a positive aspect of engaging with art. She finds it "wonderful" that some fans resonate with Burch's portrayal and others with her own, indicating a rich variety of "touch points" for people to connect with the story. "It's good when people care," she concluded, expressing gratitude for her involvement.

Despite their unexpected reunion in "Life is Strange: Reunion," this chapter marks the definitive end for Max and Chloe, officially hailed by Square Enix and Deck Nine as the "epic conclusion." This impending farewell is profoundly emotional for both Telle and DeVries. Telle, with tears in her eyes, expressed how difficult it will be to bid Max goodbye, acknowledging her character's long-standing presence in her life and the profound gratitude she feels for the fan connection, which gives her a sense of purpose. She views the entire experience as a "privilege" and "blessing," still finding it hard to believe she had multiple opportunities to revisit the role. DeVries, also visibly emotional, vowed that in a fundamental sense, she would never truly say goodbye to Chloe. Metaphorically, she described herself as a tree that has grown around Chloe, ensuring the character's enduring presence in her "internal world," long after the game concludes. She conveyed deep gratitude for the experience, the team, and her collaboration with Telle, calling it an "amazing ride."