Colleen O’Shaughnessey Interview: Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Blue Vengeance is back to protect humanity in Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which is out in theaters April 8, and his pack has grown for the sequel. While Sonic (Ben Schwartz, Parks and Recreation) and Tom (James Marsden, Westworld) grow even closer after the last film, everyone’s favorite sidekick Tails (played by voice actor Colleen O’Shaughnessey) has entered the scene – and so has everyone’s favorite nemesis Knuckles (Idris Elba, The Suicide Squad).

O’Shaughnessey has already had the chance to embody the role of Tails in the video games, and we spoke to her about the biggest differences when it comes to playing him for the big screen.

Screen Rant: I’ve just got to dig in back to the first Sonic movie. When you see that post-credit scene, what goes through your mind?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: Well, besides everybody screaming in the theater, it was just so exciting to see his little feet coming in. People knew, as soon as they saw the feet. They were like, “Yes!” It was triumphant. Amazing.

There’s a lot of conversation about voice actors on the big screen. How did it feel to see the fans get so elated when you were announced?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: It’s overwhelming, truly, and wonderful. I am feeling so much love right now. And yes, as a voice actor who fully expects to get replaced, it was a truly wonderful moment. Not just for me; for the whole voiceover community, I think it’s really a big, huge win.

Do you go into this role any differently than you would have in previous times you’ve voiced Tails? Because it is a little bit of an origin story, at least to Tails’ and Sonic’s relationship. Does that change the way you approach anything?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: I think the only difference is that, yes, it’s more about the situation. As far as the way that I get into character or anything like that, that remains the same. He’s still Tails; he’s just faced with different circumstances, and he’s at the beginning of a relationship as opposed to one that’s already established.

We have this wonderful script and this wonderful director that guides you through that, and off you go.

Sonic‘s all about going fast. What is the fastest you’ve ever said yes to a role?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: This one, immediately.

How did it go? We did a little bit of workshopping. On their side of it, I have no idea. I never do. As an actor, you have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes. I was just thrilled that they were even considering using me, because of typically getting replaced by a celebrity. But it was thrilling and exciting. Yay!

What is the key to Tails’ voice? Teach me something.

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: Okay, I think you’ve got to think about a little boy. I just go to a deeper place in my register, and I just add some gravel and a little bit of excitement. And here we go. There’s Tails! Yep, there he is.

It seems like we’re on our way to a big cinematic universe with Sonic. Do you see yourself continuing to play tails as long as you can? Is there something you’d love to see in a future movie that we haven’t seen yet?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: I will do it as long as they will have me. I would love to see Amy come in at some point.

I don’t know, I’m so excited to see what they’ve got cooking because I know they’ve got these things in development. And I’m always the last person to know, but I can’t wait to see what they’re coming up with. Because they’re so clever, and they’re so smart about the way that they’ve done all of this so far. I can’t wait to see where it’s headed.

As someone who’s lived in this world for a while, is there an Easter egg in this movie that fans should really watch out for?

Colleen O’Shaughnessey: That’s such a hard question, because I don’t want to spoil it for anybody!

The temple scene. I’m just gonna say the temple. Keep your eyes out in the temple.

More Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Interviews

After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

• Jim Carrey
• Ben Schwartz & James Marsden
• Lee Majdoub
• Natasha Rothwell & Tika Sumpter
• Jeff Fowler

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives in US theaters Friday, April 8. It is 122 minutes long and rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, and mild language.

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