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Sabina Graves, io9: Let’s talk about your journey with Sonic as Tails. WHAT DOING Sonic mean to you growing up and how did it feel to jump to voice the character?
Colleen O’Shaughnessey: I Sonic the journey is long, which is huge. my earliest entry into Sonic universe I played Charmy Bee (Sonic) Colors—(that) was the first, the first game I declared Charmy. And that was about four years before I voiced Tails. I auditioned 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 unbelievable. It’s amazing. This franchise is very exciting. The fans are absolutely passionate about this franchise, which is a beautiful thing. And I’m very happy to be a part of it, and for a long time—it was wonderful.
io9: In this film, we get more of Tails jumping into his role and out in the field. I know he was nervous about it in the last film. Can you talk about how you see the character’s journey and evolution for the film franchise?
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, I like it. Because for the second movie, this is the beginning of his relationship with Sonic. This is where they met and that was 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. 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’re all just great friends and friends and teammates.
io9: Yes, and I love movie themes. I think that’s one of the biggest things that makes this film franchise resonate with audiences. I grew up on sports and I’m sure you did Sonic in various forms before joining the cast. What is it about this particular story that resonates with you, and that you want to present to today’s audience?
O’Shaughnessey: I like that there is something for everyone. They took it to an epic level. You know, there is adventure, there is action, but there is humor and heart and family. It covers all the bases, being a lot of fun and looks great. And truly, there is something for everyone. You can see it in your children, your parents, and everyone in between.
io9: What was the process of finding this version of Tails’ voice?
O’Shaughnessey: when I approached Tails, I approached him the same way, whether it’s a game or a show or films, but it’s on a grander scale. And we’re just talking about this kind of-he finds himself in different situations. So I think from a more serious standpoint with him because the stakes are higher there, it’s not like, “Oh, it’s a career game.” “We have to.” “Come on, let’s go.” It’s all like, it’s elevated and energetic and everything, but it’s still, it’s fun.
And it’s not that it’s not fun, but there are dangerous situations going on. That’s why it’s more grounded. It’s more serious. It’s more cinematic, for sure. But what I think is so beautiful (about) this transition is that we just did it Sonic Frontiers before I started recording for the second movie. and Sonic Frontiers a more serious game, and with more dialogue and with higher stakes; (it is) the same kind of thing. So I (prepare) and ready, actually, because I just finished Sonic Frontiers that’s quite a departure from any of the previous games.
io9: SProgressing from silly to much darker, I’m so glad they kept some of the darker elements from Sonic Adventure 2 in the film and really put Team Sonic under a lot of very stressful situations. The has started a movie, they are like a band of brothers and it’s funAnd then, things get serious very fast. How does it feel to step on that in Tails? I love how each sibling represents a different type of child.
O’Shaughnessey: Yes, everyone has their role. And he is very cool under pressure. There’s a lot of pressure and some points on him because he’s got the schematics, he’s got the plan, and he’s trying to stick to the plan. And I feel that his coolness under pressure has really increased. He has some important things to do and he jumps in and saves the day many times, which is just awesome.
io9: Yeah, I like it. He gets so brave, which is so great. on boost your career, at io9 we love talking about early fandoms. What games, movies, or books in the genre really inspired your career path, and how did that lead to where you are today?
O’Shaughnessey: Anything animated as a kid, I watched as much 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 have access to all of it all the time. I am an avid watcher of cartoons and the Wonderful World of Disney and The Muppets and all those things. I literally run around my house all these characters. I will be Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, to Miss Piggy and Kermit, to all the Super Friends. oh my gosh I love all the Super Friends. So many, pick a genre and I’m probably a fan of it and running around my house doing all the characters.
io9: What was the first sound you realized or how your family realized you were so good?
O’Shaughnessey: I did Fozzie Bear and, for some reason, Tigger from (Winnie the Pooh). I just do it and I don’t know where it comes from, but I look at a baby or an animal and I just make a sound. Whatever expression they had on their face, I would just give them like a whole monologue of things that I thought they were saying. I really want animals to talk. So I gave them voices. but I feel like the Muppets were so profound in my development of this crazy skill that I have.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is in theaters now.
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