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Played by Colin O’Shaughnessy Sonic’s Right-hand fox, plan kid, we like: Tails.
io9 recently had a chance to speak with the voice actress to discuss Tails’ evolution from the small screen to the big screen—and we mean bigLike the current box-office champ Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In our chat with O’Shaughnessey, we discussed the process of finding your “voice” in VO, as well as how fandom begins and how it becomes a beloved figure in pop culture.
Sabina Graves, io9: lLet’s talk about your journey with it sonic What as the tail? did sonic What did it mean to you growing up and what was it like jumping on board to voice the character?
Colin O’Shaughnessy: my sonic The journey is long, which is so great. My in the very first entrance sonic I played the role of Charmy B in the universe [Sonic] color-[that] The first one was, the first game that I voiced Charmy. And it was about four years ago that I told the voice. I was auditioning for the show Sonic Boom And I booked Tails, and then it came with video games. And here we are 10 years later, and he’s on the big screen, which is incredible. So amazing. This franchise is so exciting. Fans are absolutely passionate about this franchise, which is such a beautiful thing. And I’m honored to be a part of it, onend so long – it’s been wonderful.
io9: In this film, we get more Tales jumping into his role and being in the field. I know he was nervous about it in the last film. Can you talk about what it was like for you to see that journey and evolution with the characters in the film franchise?
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, I love it. Because for the second movie, it’s the beginning of her and Sonic’s journey together. This is where they meet each other so this is like the beginning of their story. She was super nervous. It’s like meeting one of your heroes and, you know, hoping that he’s going to live up to expectations. And now he’s really coming into his own in this movie. He is more confident, he feels part of the team and part of a family. And they are all just such great friends and friends and teammates.
io9: Yes, and I love the theme of the film. I think that’s one of the biggest things that really makes this film franchise resonate with audiences. I grew up with games and I’m sure you grew up with it sonic In various forms before joining the cast. What do you think about this particular story that really resonated with you and do you like the way it’s being presented to audiences now?
O’Shaughnessey: I love that there is something for everyone. They took it to an epic level. You know, there’s adventure, there’s action, but there’s still humor and heart and family. It covers all the bases, is very fun to watch and looks great. And really, there is something for everyone. You can watch with your kids, with your parents, and everything in between.
io9: What was the process like finding this version of Tails’ voice?
O’Shaughnessey: WChicken I went to the tail, I went to him the same way, whether it’s a game or a show or a movie, but it’s such a great scale. And we just talked about it on a different topic-He finds himself in various situations. So I guess coming at it from a more serious perspective because the stakes are higher, it’s not like, “Oh, it’s a racing game.” “We have to go.” “Come on, let’s go.” Like all that, it’s loud and energetic and all that, but it’s still, it’s fun.
And it’s not that it’s not fun, but dangerous situations are happening. So it’s more grounded. It is more serious. It’s more cinematic, sure. But what I think was pretty cool [about] This was the transition we just made Sonic Frontiers Just before I started recording for the second movie. And Sonic Frontiers It’s a much more serious game, and there’s much more dialogue and much higher play; [it’s the] similar things. so i [was] Prepared and ready, really, because I just did Sonic Frontiers which departed from any previous game.
io9: comeOn the cusp of going from silly to darker, I was really glad they kept away from some of the darker elements. Sonic Adventure 2 In the film and really puts Team Sonic in a lot of stressful situations. THe movie starts and they are like a band of brothers and they are having funAnd then, things get very serious very quickly. What was it like that step with Tales? I love how each brother represents a different type of kid.
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, everyone has their role. And he was very calm under pressure. A lot of pressure and a few points are on him because he’s planned, he’s got the plan and he’s trying to put the plan together. And I feel that his cool under pressure has really definitely increased. He has some important things to do and he jumps in and saves the day a few times, which is great.
io9: Yes, I liked it. He is so bold, which is so big. per A little further into your career, at io9 we love to talk about fandom first. What games, movies or books in the genre really inspired your career path and how did it lead to where you are today?
O’Shaughnessey: Anything animated as a kid, I watched as much as my mom would let me—because [you] I can’t watch TV all day, but if I could, I would. WHen I was a kid, we didn’t have access to it at all. I was an aficionado of cartoons and the wonderful world of Disney The Muppets And all those things. I would literally run around my house as all these characters. I will be Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, to Miss Piggy and Kermit, to all the super friends. oh god I loved all the super friends. Pretty much, pick a genre and I was probably a fan of it and ran around my house doing all those characters.
io9: Were you the first voice to understand or did your family realize that you could do very well?
O’Shaughnessey: I did Fozzie Bear and, for some reason, from Tigger [Winnie the Pooh]. I just did it and I don’t know where it came from, but I would look at a child or an animal and just give them a sound. No matter what expression they had on their face, I would give them like a whole monologue of what I thought they were saying. I so wish animals could talk. So I gave them voice. but I think the Muppets were profound in my development of this very silly skill.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Now in theaters.
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