Digimon Adventure Tri last movie and while the dub has a while to catch up Crunchyroll.com has gone out to talk to the cast. Today we have an interview on Vic who has to step into someone else shows as Matt. How does see stepping into a nostalgic series as well as a role done by someone else? Lets find out.
You previously voiced Christopher in Digimon Fusion. What was it like coming back to the series in a different role that has such a deep nostalgic connection to fans?
It was a huge thrill and a huge honor, as you can imagine. I mean, Digimon is iconic. Digimon is one of those shows like Pokémon, or Yu-Gi-Oh!, or Dragon Ball Z that in many ways, at least in my opinion, kind of paved the way for anime to become more and more mainstream. When they asked me to play this role, I was ecstatic and considered it an extreme honor. I mean, I was already thrilled to play Chris. Then, when they said, “Hey, we want you to play Matt Ishida,” I’m like, “Wow, okay. Happily.”
In Digimon and beyond, do you find it difficult to step into a role that was previously voiced by someone else?
Well, it is always a challenge, because the original actor would have set a standard. They would have set a voice and kind of an expectation of the character. In that regard, it is a little tricky. The fact that he’s a little older now, and a little more mature, getting into teenage years, and all of the angsty teenage challenges that come with it, there was a little more flexibility and latitude playing the character, as he’s a little bit older, you know?
We previously spoke with Johnny, who said that he actually auditioned for all the roles in Digimon Adventure Tri., without knowing which he would end up with, ultimately. Was that the case for you, or did you specifically audition for Matt?
No, I believe it was the case for me. Yeah, I think they had me do several auditions, not really knowing who I would end up with. When I got into the studio, the producer even said, one of the first things I remember the producer saying was, “Wow, you naturally sound a great deal like the original actor.” Apparently, the producer felt like there was a degree of similarity between just the tone or the quality of my voice and Michael [Reisz]’s, who played Matt originally. That’s a good thing. You always want to start off from a good place, and that was a good sign.
What kind of research did you do for the role? Did you make time for a Digimon Adventure marathon?
No, actually. If you asked Johnny that question, he probably told you the same answer. There isn’t really time to do a lot of research, number one. Number two, I rely heavily on the director and his vision. The director’s the one who’s done all the homework. He’s done all the heavy lifting, preparing for the sessions. My primary job is to help the director accomplish his vision for the characters in the show.
Also, there’s something to be said for not knowing too much about where the story’s going or where the character’s going. I tend to think that if you as the actor don’t know much more about what’s around the next corner than the character himself does, when you do find out, it tends to give your performance a bit more genuineness, you know what I mean?
There tends to be a bit more spontaneous authenticity to your performance, because you’re finding out about it right now, as the character did, you know?
Yeah, that makes sense. Now that the series is nearing its conclusion, what’s your overall impression? Did it surprise you in any way?
Yeah. There is another movie coming out that they’re working on. It’ll be interesting to see where that goes. I don’t know. I don’t think it really surprised me, at least not yet. Nothing has super surprised me. You know, at the core, I think the story’s about friendship, you know what I mean?
It’s about this group of kids who come from different backgrounds, and different histories, supporting each other, and protecting and looking out for each other, and accomplishing a larger goal together, which is always a great theme. I’m just really excited to see where this next movie takes them. I’d love to see something unexpected happen with Matt, but I’m looking forward to it as much as anybody else.
What’s your main takeaway on Matt, as a character, and were there any memorable moments while recording him?
I really like how he’s … I’ve always enjoyed playing characters who are a bit, what’s the word I’m looking for? You know, they’re kind of loners, you know what I mean?
They’re kind of a loner, and they’re kind of cool, and kind of keep to themselves, and maybe even a little insecure, uncertain of themselves, trying to find who they are, where they fit in. Certainly, I get that feeling from Matt. Maybe a lot of it has to do with his parents’ divorce. Kids often come out of that feeling uncertain of themselves, or feel like they’re somehow responsible, and they end up kind of keeping to themselves, and being kind of secretive and alone.
I think that’s one of the parts of his personality that really appeals to me. Seeing him open up, too, as he gets older and matures, and the more adventures that he has with his friends, and the more that they accomplish things together, and help each other through difficult times, I think helps bring him out of his shell, you know?
Yup, absolutely. You have a very long and storied career in voice acting. What would you say some of your favorite roles have been over the years?
Without a question, Fullmetal Alchemist is probably the favorite thing that I’ve done. Not even because I was in it, but just because it was an amazing story. Every actor in the show was fantastic, the story was amazing, the animation was beautiful, the music was fantastic. Just everything about that show, to me, was the epitome of what an anime should or could be. A very, very close second place would probably be Ouran High School Host Club. I love that show a great deal.
Then, I’ve been so privileged to be a part of so many really neat shows and play a lot of great characters, whether it was Zero in Vampire Knight, or even Broly from Dragon Ball, or currently playing Qrow in RWBY, Spirit Albarn in Soul Eater, getting to play Sabo in One Piece. I’ve been really, really blessed to get to play a lot of really good characters. I don’t take that for granted. I’m well aware that somebody could spend their entire career in voice acting and never get to play some of the characters that I’ve had the chance to play. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.
Yeah. Must be great to play so many iconic characters.
It is. It’s a real privilege. Again, it’s a real blessing. When I stumbled into this voice acting thing almost 20 years ago, I had no idea that anything would ever come of it. It seemed like a weird little niche culture out there. I had no idea who watched it, or how many people watched it, but it’s been such a thrill to see the industry grow over the years that I’ve been involved. Going to events, going to anime conventions, where there used to be five or six in a year, there are hundreds, and so many fans out there that enjoy the work so much. It’s such a gift. I’m very, very humbled and grateful for the privilege to be a part of it.
How does voicing video games compare? Do you have a preference, or is it all good in the booth?
I like it all. I definitely don’t know that I have a preference. I enjoy video games as much as anime. One good thing about anime is that usually, they’re a longer, more extended series, that you get to develop a character more, and you work on the series for weeks, and weeks, and weeks. In fact, months and months, and in many cases, years, whereas video games, you know, you go and knock a video game out in three days, you know what I mean?
Or a week, if you’re lucky. Anime series allow you the opportunity to develop a character, to dive into it deeper, and to enjoy the thrill of playing a role over a longer, extended period of time.
Excellent. I just have two questions left for you. Back to Digimon: Who would you choose as your own Digimon partner?
Oh my gosh, really?
Yeah.
Why do you ask me these questions?
You could say pass…
What if I choose my brother, TK?
Okay. So let’s say the digital world is real – are you down to pay it a visit, or would you rather stick to our reality?
It depends on how quickly I could get out of it if I needed to.
I inherently think those kind of things seem really, really cool until you get into them, and then you’re like, “Dang, this is a lot more dangerous than I thought it would be,” or, “There’s a lot of stuff I didn’t take into account, here.” As long as I could get out quickly, I’m down for going in.
I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us.
My pleasure. Thank you so much.
As always thank you for reading.
