A datamined World of Warcraft cinematic has shone a light on Sylvanas – and teased a significant storyline development for the controversial villain.
THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AHEAD.
As Wowhead reports, the cinematic shows Sylvanas troubled by a difficult choice that hints at a potential redemption for the veteran Warcraft baddie.
Sylvanas’ Choice Cinematic – Shadowlands Watch on YouTube
The cinematic kicks off with the Jailer ordering Sylvanas to turn the captive Anduin to the dark side, while reforging what appears to be Shalamayne, Varian Wrynn’s weapon.
Sylvanas approaches Anduin and gives him a choice: willingly join the bad guys’ cause, or be forced to. Anduin, who points out this isn’t much of a choice at all, realises “it’s the choice you never had”.
“Despite all your grand designs, there’s still some shred of your mortality haunting you. As if the Banshee Queen hasn’t entirely eclipsed the Ranger-General,” Anduin says.
Then: “Now I understand why you brought me here. Why you tried so hard to persuade me. Because if you can get me to let go of hope, you finally can too.”
Mirroring Warcraft’s famous Arthas wielding Frostmourne pose, Sylvanas points her sword at Anduin. But she is wavering. “I’ve not come this far to falter now,” she says. “Then why do you hesitate?” Anduin replies. “Make your choice, Sylvanas Windrunner.”
That’s where the cinematic ends. Could Sylvanas be on a redemption arc? Or will she force Anduin to the cause? What happens next is currently a hot topic within the World of Warcraft community, which has for some time now questioned developer Blizzard’s decision-making when it comes to Sylvanas’ storyline and character development.