Sabina Graves, io9: Land let’s talk about your trip with Sonic like Tails. What you do done Sonic What did it mean for you growing up and what was it like to jump on board to voice the character?
Colleen O’Shaughnessey: My Sonic the journey is long, which is so great. My first entry into the Sonic in the universe in which I played Charmy Bee (Sonic) Colors –(that) was the first, the first game I voiced Charmy. And this was about four years before Tails voice. I auditioned for the show Sonic Boom and I reserved Tails, and then it came with the video games. And here we are 10 years later, and he’s on the big screen, which is just incredible. So amazing. This franchise is so exciting. The fans are absolutely so passionate about this franchise, which is such a great thing. And I’m so honored to be a part of it, and for so long – it’s been wonderful.
io9: In this film, we have more of Tails jumping into his role and being on the field. I know I was nervous about it in the last movie. Can you talk about what it was like for you to see that journey and evolution with the character for the film franchise?
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, I like it. Because for the second movie, it’s the beginning of his and Sonic’s journey together. This is where they meet, so it’s like the beginning of their story. He was super nervous. It’s like meeting one of your heroes and, you know, hoping that he will live up to expectations. And now he really comes into his own in this movie. He is more confident, he feels part of the team, and part of a family. And they’re all such great friends and buddies and teammates.
i9: Yes, and I love the themes of the movie. I think that’s one of the biggest things that really makes this movie franchise resonate with audiences. I grew up with games and I’m sure you grew up with Sonic in various forms before joining the cast. What is it about this particular story that really resonated with you, and what do you like about it being presented to audiences now?
O’Shaughnessey: I love that there is something for everyone. They took this to such an epic level. You know, there’s adventure, there’s action, but there’s always humor and heart and family. It covers all the bases, which is so fun and so great to see. And really, there is something for everyone. You can see it with your children, with your parents, and everything in between.
io9: What was the process of finding this version of Tails’ voice?
O’Shaughnessey: WSo I approached Tails, I approached it the same way, whether it’s a game, the show or the movies, but this is on a bigger scale. And we just talked about it in another –it is found in different circumstances. So I guess they come from a more serious point of view with it because the stakes are higher, it’s not like, “Oh, it’s a racing game.” “We have to go.” “Let’s go, let’s go. ” Everything it’s like, it’s high and energetic and all that, but it’s still, it’s fun.
And not that this is not fun, but there are dangerous situations. So it is more grounded. It is more serious. It’s more cinematic, of course. But what I think was so beautiful (about) this transition was that we had just done it Sonic Frontiers right before I started recording for the second film. And Sonic Frontiers it’s a much more serious game, and there’s much more dialogue and there’s much higher stakes; (it’s the) same kind of thing. So I (was) prepared and ready, really, because I had just done it Sonic Frontiers which was quite a departure from any of the previous games.
i9: Sthe peak of going from silly to sort of darker, I was really happy that they kept some of the darker elements from Sonic Adventure 2 in the movie and really put Team Sonic under a lot more stressful situations. Tthe movie starts and they’re like a band of brothers and they’re having fun aand then, things get very serious very quickly. How was the entry with Tails? I love how each sibling represents a different type of child.
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, everyone has their role. And he was so cool under pressure. There is a lot of pressure and a couple of points is on him because he has the schematic, he has the plan, and he tries to keep the plan together. And I feel that his cool under pressure has really stepped up for sure. He has a lot of important things to do and jumps in and saves the day multiple times, which is just awesome.
io9: Yes, I loved it. HAnd it becomes so good, which is so great. To go back a bit more on your career, io9 likes to talk about early fandoms. What games, movies, or books in the genre really inspired your career, and how did it lead to where you are today?
O’Shaughnessey: Something animated as a child, I watched as much as my mother allowed me to watch, because (you) can not watch TV all day, but if I could have, I would have. Wwhen I was a child, we didn’t have access to everything at all times. I was an avid watcher of cartoons and the wonderful world of Disney and The Muppets and all things. I would literally run around my house being all these characters. It would be Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, to Miss Piggy and Kermit, to all the Super Friends. oh god I loved all of the Super Friends. Rather, pick a genre and probably be a fan of it and run around my house making all those characters.
i9: What was the first voice that you understood or as your family understood that you can do very well?
O’Shaughnessey: I made Fozzie Bear and, for some reason, Tigger from (Winnie the Pooh). I just did it and I don’t know where it came from, but I look at a child or an animal and just give it a voice. Whatever expression they had on their face, I would just give it as a whole monologue of the things I thought they were saying. I wish animals could talk. Then I gave him voice. Ma I feel like the Muppets were profound in my development of this very silly skill that I have.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 it’s in theaters now.
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2024-12-24 21:00:00
