I think Varric is going to be slightly different, yes, but I don't think it'll be anything jarring Anders-level. More natural progression.
He was always a good person at heart in DA2, and from what I've gathered, that part of him might just be a little more prevalent now than it was before. He seems to be vocally objecting to more pragmatic player decisions much more than in DA2. I've heard it speculated that perhaps he's starting to feel guilty about being partially responsible for letting red lyrium on the world, or maybe even for introducing Hawke and Anders, which he already seemed to regret during Cassandra's interrogation.
Or, he's just in a more serious situation now than he was in DA2 and the end of the world 'isn't a story he wants to tell,' and it brings out the heart of gold to the forefront. That kinda thing.
My two cents, anyway. I guess we'll see. :S