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Played by Colleen O’Shaughnessey Sonic’s the right hand fox, the scheming kid, the best friend we wish we had: Tails.
io9 recently got a chance to sit down with the voice actress to discuss Tails’ evolution from the small screen to the big screen — and we mean bigas the current box office champion Sonic hedgehog 3. In our conversation with O’Shaughnessey, we discussed the process of finding your “voice” in VO, as well as where the fandom all started and how it led to becoming a beloved figure in pop culture.
Sabina Graves, io9: Ltalk about your trip with Sonic like a tail. What did Sonic What did growing up mean to you and what was it like jumping on board to voice the character?
Colleen O’Shaughnessey: my Sonic the journey is long, it’s wonderful. My very first entry Sonic universe was I played Charmy Bee (Sonic) Colors—(it was) the first, first game I voiced Charmy. And that was almost four years before he voiced Tails. I was auditioning for the show Sonic Boom and I ordered Tails and it came with video games. And here we are 10 years later and it’s on the big screen, it’s just incredible. Very amazing. This franchise is very exciting. The fans are very passionate about this franchise, which is a great thing. And I’m proud to be a part of it, aand for so long – it’s wonderful.
io9: In this movie, we get more of Tails stepping into his role and being on the field. I know he was worried about that in the last movie. Can you talk about what it’s been like for you to see that journey and evolution with a character in a film franchise?
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, I love it. Because for the second movie, this is the beginning of her and Sonic’s journey together. This is where they meet each other, 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 he lives up to expectations. Now he really comes into his own in this film. He is more confident, feels like a part of the team and family. And they are all great friends, buddies and teammates.
io9: Yes, and I love the themes of the movie. I think that’s one of the biggest things that makes this film franchise resonate with audiences. I grew up with games and I’m sure you did too Sonic in various forms before joining the cast. What is it about this particular story that really resonated with you and is now available to audiences?
O’Shaughnessey: I love that there is something for everyone. They took it to such 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, it’s just a lot of fun and it’s great to see. And there really is something for everyone. You can see it with your kids, your parents and everything.
io9: How was the process of finding this version of Tails’ voice?
O’Shaughnessey: WI approached Tails, I approached it the same way, whether it’s a game or a show or a movie, but it’s on a much bigger scale. And we just talked about it being different –finds himself in different situations. So I think I come from a more serious point of view with it because the stakes are higher there, it’s not like, “Oh, it’s a racing game.” “We have to go.” “Come on, let’s go.” It’s all high and energetic and all that, but it’s still fun.
And it’s not fun, but dangerous situations happen. So it’s more grounded. It is more serious. It’s definitely more cinematic. But in my opinion, this transition was very beautiful (about) we just did Sonic Frontiers before starting shooting for the second film. And Sonic Frontiers is a more serious game with more dialogue and higher stakes; (it’s) the same thing. So I was ready and really ready because I just did Sonic Frontiers it was such a departure from any of the previous games.
io9: SI was so glad they kept some of the darker elements when it peaked at going from silly to darker. Sonic adventure 2 in the movie and really made Team Sonic more stressed. Tthat movie starts and they’re like a band of brothers and they’re having funand then things get serious very quickly. What was it like stepping into that with Tails? I love how each brother represents a different type of child.
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, everyone has a role to play. And he was very cool under pressure. There’s a lot of pressure and several moments hinge on him because he’s got schemes, he’s got a plan, and he’s kind of trying to keep the plan together. I feel that his composure under pressure has really improved. He has some important things to do and he comes in and saves the day a few times, which is just awesome.
io9: Yeah, I like it. He is very brave, which is very nice. To whom Focus a little more on your career, at io9 we love to talk about early fandoms. What games, movies or books in the genre really inspired your career path and how did it lead you to where you are today?
O’Shaughnessey: As a kid, I watched as much animated stuff as my mom would let me watch, because (you) can’t watch TV all day, but if I could, I would. WWhen I was a kid, we didn’t always have access to all that. I was an avid watcher of cartoons and the Wonderful World of Disney Muppets and all that. I would literally run around my house being all these characters. I would be Miss Piggy for all the Super Friends and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger for Kermit. oh my 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 these characters.
io9: What was the first voice your family realized you were really good at or liked?
O’Shaughnessey: I did Fozzie Bear and for some reason (Winnie the Pooh) Tigger. I just did and I don’t know where it came from but I would look at a baby or an animal and just vote for them. Whatever expression was on their face, I would give them a whole monologue of what I thought they were talking about. I really wanted animals to be able to talk. That’s why I voted for them. But I feel like the Muppets played a profound role in me developing this very silly skill.
Sonic hedgehog 3 it’s in theaters now.
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