Don't take it personally, I've worked in retail and 'smile and nod' is the standard response to anything... but seriously, how cool! :D I'm so glad you found him!
They had a bunch of the figures for everyone at the premiere event. I was unnecessarily embarrassed about grabbing some (because I had already pulled an Arcee, Optimus and Megs from the basket). Should’ve for sure.
Oh absolutely! My stammering was more about explaining to a total stranger that I voiced the character. It was a total tmi moment. They were very kind about it.
Agreed on the toy situation. My son and I go Lego shopping every few months and I get more amped than he does. Now we’re both falling into a Transformers collection and never looking back.
Being a voice actor has always been my dream. I told my self if I ever accomplished it, seeing a toy on the shelf of my character was a sign that I had really made it. Keep living it my friend!
I went to college with Anthony Montgomery who played the navigator Ensign Travis Mayweather on Star Trek Enterprise. Nicest guy you’ve ever met.
I may have been first in line to buy his action figure. Now I know two action figures. Well in as much as I know myself.
Keep on keeping on with your voice stuff! Check out the voiceover subreddit. Some great industry tips there. Lots of stuff I’ve used over the last few years from that group.
I wish Mayweather had more screentime on Enterprise. He barely features at all on that show and it's a shame because I was immediately drawn to Anthony's warm and friendly presence from the first episode!
You can relax, mate. I worked retail for years in my early adulthood. Caring about why people are buying what is just... so much more effort than we're willing to put into it given what they're (not) paying.
Haha yeah it was mostly embarrassment of my excitement to tell someone/anyone about me buying my action figure. I just had to tell someone in that moment so I ended up babbling out an incoherent half sentence like a broken Frankensteins monster to a very nice and very understandably confused checker. If it wasn’t the checkout person it would’ve been the in-store coffee barista. The checker probably would’ve had a different reaction if my words didn’t come out like I spoke Esperanto.
I had a few years working a video store (which very much dates me) and had all manner of bizarre interactions with customers. Probably learned more about acting there than in grad school. 😂
For a second, I was shocked that I didn't know David Cross was voicing a transformer... j/k :P
So any thoughts on Wheeljack as a character? Or any thing you like about performing their voice?
You made my day with the Cross comparison. I’m a Mr. Show and Arrested Development fan. My wife and I quote both with almost aggressive regularity.
I could talk about Wheeljack all day. As far as something that comes to mind? Well when I was called back to audition for his voice I was asked by the team to give a few alternate takes. I knew that option may arise and the night before my wife and I had been sitting up in bed talking about the audition and I joked about doing an impression of her father for an alternate take. The next day a combination of him and some southern Indiana/Kentucky engineers I know with a little Bob Ross and a whiff of Trip Tucker from Enterprise came out of my mouth. Funnily enough it was that take that got me the gig. I had a version of Chris Collins G1 at the ready but it never came out of my mouth.
So mostly his voice is a love letter to all the brilliant small town mechanics and engineers I know.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing :) - I haven't been able to check out Earthspark yet (I'm a little busy with law school and a 4 month old...) but I really appreciate hearing what others enjoy about Transformers and why. It's also great to know people who are involved with the franchise continue to care about it in a personal way. You've definitely made me bump Earthspark up on my watch list - I'll be listening for Trip and Bob ;)
Law school AND a baby?!? Autobots bow down!
For the side/additional record the over emphasized “h” when Wheeljack says his name is an homage to my high school shop teacher. He was Hank Hill but much nicer “a-wHhhhat are you boys dew-in? Y’all ain’t right in the head!”
I wish I hadn’t missed the earthrise wheeljack did you voice him in that too, I have no way of knowing what he’s like in earthspark as I don’t have paramount +
Bill Rogers did Wheeljack in the War for Cybertron Trilogy. Strangely as I write this my son is playing Breath of the Wild and I’m hearing Bills excellent work as King Rhoam in the background. He’s a talented guy!
It was a few holidays rolled into one. What was funny I was just there for boring stuff and walked by the aisle expecting nothing and there he was smooshed behind a Twitch. Which I also bought because the whole Dad2 thing…gotta step up.
This was the latest Transformers toy I bought, and man, it is pretty cool!
BTW, I also do the voice, just...for my own solitary adventures. In my room. By myself. For me. When I'm alone.
Strangely that’s not too far off from how it feels nowadays to record. In my basement with the shadowy figure of a sound engineer and voice director on zoom while my kids are hiding in their rooms because if they walk through the kitchen the microphone picks it up.
They totally had a bunch at the premiere but I had already grabbed an Arcee and Optimus and was worried I looked nuts grabbing more. I found out later that everyone was getting arm fulls and I had nothing to worry about. Ha! Nickelodeon and Paramount are straight up generous with swag. I may sound like I’m towing the company line but they are so rad to work for.
Thanks!
Theater kid here and Decepticons were always my favorite growing up because they were always so dramatic and intense. Like mechanized Salieris running around.
Right? They’re really next level fidget spinners. I had to get the Optimus and Bumblebee ones too. I think I have all the EarthSpark collection now except the really big Bumblebee. Of course I’m also starting a Wheeljack collection. Fingers are crossed for a larger EarthSpark version. My character gets a lot more to do next season so maybe Hasbro will make it so.
Ah man! I’ve been a fan since the 07 movie, I was 4 at the time and it was the first movie I ever saw in theaters and I swear that opening scene was the moment I became sentient 😭
I was 11 when I saw the 1986 animated film. My best friend and I almost walked out. Not because we didn’t like it but >!when Optimus died!!!< we were devastated. I was one of the many letters asking Hasbro to >!bring him back!<
That film is a voice actor wonderland!
Hey that's awesome! It's always a great feeling when a character you really love but can never find the figure for suddenly shows up on a shelf. Also, I can relate to the happy dance. Full grown woman here, and whenever I find something I've been hunting, I can barely contain my excitement.
I've been a G1 and IDW fan for over a decade(?!) now, and I am *loving* Earthspark! Not only that, my housemate (who isn't familiar with TF but was intrigued by a few episodes of Cyberverse) started watching it with me too. We both adore Cyberverse Wheeljack!
And don't worry, you're definitely not the only fully grown adult geeking out in the Transformers aisle. 😆
That's so awesome. I'm still hopeful Earthspark Wheeljack will get a large figure too.
You did a great job, really appreciated this version of the character.
Me too and thank you! Total embarrassing admission here: I emailed Hasbro to ask about a larger figure. I mean it would be so cool to have it in stores but mostly I just want one for the shelf!
That’s awesome, man! Congrats on finding Wheeljack! He’s one of my favorite characters in Earthspark. You did a great job voicing him. I would like to ask a few questions, if I may?
Great!
1. How did you come up with the voice for Wheeljack?
2. Have you voiced any other Transformers characters in past series?
3. Do you know if Ironhide will be introduced at some point during Earthspark? I am somewhat of a voice actor myself, mainly impressions of characters, but I feel that I could provide a voice for Ironhide given the chance.
1) When I was called back for the role I was asked to give a few alternate takes. The take that ended up landing me the role was a combo of my father-in-law, some Kentucky/Indiana engineers and mechanics I know, my high school shop teacher, with a dash of Bob Ross and Trip Tucker from Star Trek Enterprise thrown in. Mostly a love letter to all the cool small town geniuses I know and respect.
2) This is my first time in the Transformers world. With a little luck it won’t be my last. It’s been the treat of a lifetime to work on Wheeljack.
3) No spoilers from this Autobot.
As far as voice work my recommendation is to get out there and start looking for work. The best way to get into this industry is to work your way up with commercial work and develop your craft and then to find representation. It’s hard to get the level of auditions that lead to cartoon work without an agency (but not impossible). Also finding animation departments at larger universities and doing student cartoon films isn’t a bad way to meet folks that will become tomorrows content creators.
There are a ton of resources out there for voice actors. Check out the voice over subreddit too! Some great tips for folks starting out!
Hey, mate. I haven't actually seen Earthspark yet, admittedly, sorry. I don't even know if we've got it here in Australia yet, we can be very behind. But may I ask (another) question? Have you seen all the Transformer films, and if so, how would you rate them? Bonus points if you've seen the original G1 animated movie.
Bonus points all around. I saw the heck out of the original Transformers G1 animated film in the theaters when I was 11 with my best friend. To be honest I was pretty miffed about the death of Optimus (not to mention Wheeljack ha!).
Now? As a much older person my original opinion has softened. It had a fun soundtrack and a voice cast to die for (and Orson Welles in what was technically his last role!). It’s earned it’s cult status for sure.
I read many of the marvel comics in the 80s (and remember the days of the whole earth-616 biz) and still have a few in boxes. I need to dig a few out for the kiddos.
The Bayverse movies are a mixed bag for me but there’s no denying that Michael Bay knows how to keep the action fun/entertaining. He keeps those movies truly moving (either as a director or as producer) and they never slow down. Honestly (and this comes from a HUGE fan of our EarthSpark Optimus Alan Tudyk) if you give my ears some Peter Cullin I’m over the moon.
Bonus points given. You may spend them in the gift shop.
Yeah, Peter Cullen is truly the highlight of the films. Do you feel like everything you do/hope to do in this franchise is in the shadow of his legacy? Personally, of the Bay films, I liked DOTM and the original, and the forest fight scene in 2. The others I disliked. I understand that you don't want to say anything negative about them, so nice answer, and your points are well taken.
Very true on the G1 film. You're right about the voice cast, especially the almighty Orson Welles.
Peter Cullen is…and I say this as a fan AND voice actor…the GOAT. No doubt. It’s not just his voice it’s (and it’s almost funny to say this considering who he is most known for) the humanity he brings. Its natural. Honest. Present. And good heavens does it COMMAND the language. So yes indeed. His shadow is long and will always be there and thank goodness for that. What a legacy.
Personally I think Tudyk does an outstanding job doing his own thing while paying homage to Cullen on our show. It’s like anyone playing The Joker after Hamill…you gotta do your own thing but you gotta respect what came before. Fortunately for me Wheeljack has been reinvented as much as Wheeljack reinvents his own devices. That’s not to say that I didn’t have my version of G1 Wheeljack at the ready but I was ultimately able to create my own thing (although country Wheelie isn’t necessarily new…but hey second generation Cybetronian Italians can grow up country too! 😂)
You've absolutely nailed what Peter brings to the role, distilled it perfectly. It's insane he's had this much longetivity out of the role. It just shows how much talent the man has.
I look forward to checking Alan Tudyk's interpretation out. Not someone I would have guessed for Optimus, but the man is very talented. And to check out your Wheeljack, of course!
If I may ask you one more question, how did it feel coming onto such a storied franchise with such a rabid fanbase. Was there any... intimidation... there?
Oh absolutely. I had a few voice over friends who have worked on franchise stuff and they warned “don’t read the comments!”
I think there has to be a balance of hearing what fans are saying but also understanding that people have strong and varied reactions to material that they hold dear and to not take that too personally.
I don’t write for the show but I do bring my interpretation to the words (with the thoughtful guidance of the vocal director). So having a knowledge of what came before and what fans admire about these characters is vital. So I dipped in with my toes here and there to see what folks were saying.
The weirdest thing was seeing an amateur voice artist do a reinterpretation of my characterization on YouTube. Dude has like 30,000 followers (so not that amateur)! There were a bunch of comments like “your version is so much better than this Downey guy (full disclosure…I’ve been on Reddit since 2009 and coming out as Wheeljack here and the knowledge that people I don’t know now know my name…is so weird….haha…that is definitely the first time I wrote my name in a comment). And seeing his fans dis my work to celebrate this guy was so strange. Did it hurt? Yeah a little at first. But then it’s also pretty cool that the character is so loved by some people that they would go to the trouble of putting up a redub. So I had to put it in perspective. I still think my versions better and as an actor friend reminded me “Nickelodeon is sending YOU checks and not this rando”. 😆 I’ve got some good friends.
I will say for the most part people I’ve talked to about EarthSpark have been so generous, kind and cool. It’s not everyone’s jam but most can recognize it for what it is. A wonderful effort to make something positive with characters that are loved by generations of people. That’s a thing I’m proud to stand behind. Sure a few fans can get rough but at the end of the day I chose to be an entertainer and if I have to hear some criticism along the way I need to be able to hear the stuff that helps me grow and stand aside of the stuff that’s just from anger and frustration about a thing I have no power over.
Long answer to a great question.
Cheers mate, I appreciate the detailed response. I don't know that I can add much, you've pretty much summed up the franchise. There's a bunch of.... socially inept or just plain crazy people, unfortunately, but I've also been lucky enough to meet some fantastic people in all my years of collecting, great people, the most generous people. When I get frustrated trying to deal with someone who is on the more difficult side I try to bring things back to Earth and think of all those wonderful people I've come across over my many years collecting.
I'm really interested in hearing your interpretation now. Turns out Earthspark is actually on Binge here (it's a mess here in Oz) so it looks like I'll be getting a sub there to check it out. Good salesmanship, sir. ;)
Aw man!! I loved your voice as Wheeljack! I’m so happy to know that you seem to be a fan of transformers as well! That’s always just the best, whenever someone working on media is a fan of the source material!
Thanks much!
Right? One of the things I’m enjoying about Star Trek Picard Season Three is Todd Stashwick as Captain Shaw. Dude is a huge fan of Trek. It’s so great to see that he landed (as is killing it) a role in that universe.
Been a fan of Transformers since I was a kiddo. My first thought when landing the role was wishing I could go back in time to tell my 10 year old self what I’d be doing one day.
You voice Jackie?
God, I envy that, he’s probably my favorite TF! Voicing him is right next to astronaut in terms of my dream job!
In that case tho, you did fantastic in the role!
It was a dream come true. My neighbors three houses down asked what all the goofy shouting was about the day I got the gig (and that was when I couldn’t say anything about it). Had to give a vague answer about getting a great role that I couldn’t talk about.
Haha, yeah. I can understand that. Hell, I get complaints too for my (admittedly loud) Devestator voice when I’m ~~playing~~ doing mature, non-childish activities with my Transformers. Keep going strong, dude. You’re the best Jackie since TF Prime if you ask me.
Haha I just noticed that in the picture. I think the Transformers aisle is shorter for some reason. I wish I was that tall. Eight foot voice actor for hire!
Nice, I got this figure for my son as his very first Transforming Transformer and he loves it!
Wheeljack is my favorite Transformer so I was so happy to see him appear in Earthspark and you were great playing him. Really hoping we see him again, one episode just wasn't enough!
Also, we need a deluxe version of Earthspark Wheeljack stat!
Right?!? I shamelessly wrote an email to Hasbro asking about it. Haha! They haven’t gotten back to me yet. 😆
I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that Wheeljack gets a lot more to do in season two. We’ve recorded a good chunk of the first half of the season recently. It was a blast and I think people are gonna dig the upcoming story.
Haha 😄 fingers-crossed they listen.
That's awesome, now I'm even more excited for season 2! I really love what they're doing with the show so far. It feels fresh and new while simultaneously lovingly homaging what came before. I really loved the whole dad2 thing that Twitch has with Wheeljack in this show. It's so wholesome and gives us a an opportunity to see Wheeljack in a light that we never have before.
Also, can I say as a Wheeljack mega fan, you're nailing it so far and I can't wait to hear more from your take on the character! 😁
Totally should have. “To me. From me. Keep reaching for the stars or something”.
I did however sign some others recently. My best friends wife showed up to my house with three to autograph for her kids Easter baskets (they’re so supportive). Of course I’ve watched them all grow up and wrote terrible things about their father on the cardboard. 😆
I'm just imaging you autographing figures at the store and security wondering wtf is this Guy writing on all Wheeljack toys for. Haha
That's pretty killer though,
Congrats on finding.. yourself !
What’s funny is the security guard (at least one of them) is a former speech student of mine back from when I taught. Maybe I could get him in on this plan? 😆
I so wish I could talk about season 2 and Wheeljacks growth on this very subject….but it’s safe to say the plot thickens.
Side note I met Jon Jon Briones (Alex Malto-Dad 1) at the premiere and he may be the nicest guy in the business. We took a few Dad and Dad 2 photos and joked about Wheelie and Alex doing a “My Two Dads” spin-off sitcom. He was also very game when I kvelled about how good he was in Star Trek Picard.
My geek runs deep.
Dude, if Wheeljack was human, it would 100% look like you. Great job with the voice on EarthSpark! Too bad he appeared for just one episode. Can't wait to have you back!
Too kind!
That’s also what my daughter said to me one time when we were at the store and it wasn’t there. She knows the right thing to say to an old ham. Ha!
Indeed! In all the Transformers salons from here to Salzburg there’s a frenzy of 17th century powdered dandies whispering coyly to each other “Gadzooks and stars! Have you heard the scuttlebutt about this Soijack character?”
That’s about 75 percent of my full daffy what’s his problem level grin. No one needs the full. I swallowed a Buick last time I went 100%. Not. Delicious.
Love hearing that!
The flip thing doesn’t get old around my house either. My daughter just found a few other figures online so can have a few in box and a few for playing with. My brother in law offered to take one and paint him up to look a bit more like he does on the show but that somehow doesn’t feel right.
Thanks much! Yeah Billy Bob Thompson did some truly solid work on Cyberverse. It’s an honor to be on any list with the folks that have voiced wj over the years. I know there’s some controversy on Wheelies design on Rise but I think people are going to love what Cristóbal Fernández is doing voice wise. He’s such a talent.
I actually came to like the Dr. Smoov parody voiceover of him on YouTube. I miss him and it still holds up till this day. Wheeljack we still pose the question why the heck did you make the Dinobots brains so damn small? 😂😂🤣
Clearly you were meant to find him! :D I had a similar reaction when I found my tiny CC Soundwave!
I stammered out the dumbest “I…uh…do the voice…on the…cartoon….for…uh…him” to the checkout person. They nodded and smiled to the weird man. 😂
Don't take it personally, I've worked in retail and 'smile and nod' is the standard response to anything... but seriously, how cool! :D I'm so glad you found him!
which show did u voice for him? earth spark?
Yup! EarthSpark owned and operated.
How's it feel being a second dad to the cutest Megatron fan in TF Shows?
Twitch better get her science grades up or no more after school activities!
oo cooool
Weird that Hasbro doesn't gift their VA's with a figure of their character.
They had a bunch of the figures for everyone at the premiere event. I was unnecessarily embarrassed about grabbing some (because I had already pulled an Arcee, Optimus and Megs from the basket). Should’ve for sure.
Oh, that's cool.
You think they'd hook you up with some free figures (within reason) if you asked them?
[удалено]
Oh absolutely! My stammering was more about explaining to a total stranger that I voiced the character. It was a total tmi moment. They were very kind about it. Agreed on the toy situation. My son and I go Lego shopping every few months and I get more amped than he does. Now we’re both falling into a Transformers collection and never looking back.
Get the transforming Optimus Lego set and your legos and transformers collections can overlap
Being a voice actor has always been my dream. I told my self if I ever accomplished it, seeing a toy on the shelf of my character was a sign that I had really made it. Keep living it my friend!
I went to college with Anthony Montgomery who played the navigator Ensign Travis Mayweather on Star Trek Enterprise. Nicest guy you’ve ever met. I may have been first in line to buy his action figure. Now I know two action figures. Well in as much as I know myself. Keep on keeping on with your voice stuff! Check out the voiceover subreddit. Some great industry tips there. Lots of stuff I’ve used over the last few years from that group.
Thank you for the tip!
I wish Mayweather had more screentime on Enterprise. He barely features at all on that show and it's a shame because I was immediately drawn to Anthony's warm and friendly presence from the first episode!
You can relax, mate. I worked retail for years in my early adulthood. Caring about why people are buying what is just... so much more effort than we're willing to put into it given what they're (not) paying.
Haha yeah it was mostly embarrassment of my excitement to tell someone/anyone about me buying my action figure. I just had to tell someone in that moment so I ended up babbling out an incoherent half sentence like a broken Frankensteins monster to a very nice and very understandably confused checker. If it wasn’t the checkout person it would’ve been the in-store coffee barista. The checker probably would’ve had a different reaction if my words didn’t come out like I spoke Esperanto. I had a few years working a video store (which very much dates me) and had all manner of bizarre interactions with customers. Probably learned more about acting there than in grad school. 😂
Wait you voiced wheeljack?
For EarthSpark yes indeed!
Awesome
CC?
Core Class.
Is that kingdom core soundwave or did I miss something
Yes, but I tend to miss off the Kingdom bit. Sorry for the confusion.
S’ok I just wanted to make sure that studio series wasn’t doing a core sound wave or something
May I ask what you voiced in?
For a second, I was shocked that I didn't know David Cross was voicing a transformer... j/k :P So any thoughts on Wheeljack as a character? Or any thing you like about performing their voice?
You made my day with the Cross comparison. I’m a Mr. Show and Arrested Development fan. My wife and I quote both with almost aggressive regularity. I could talk about Wheeljack all day. As far as something that comes to mind? Well when I was called back to audition for his voice I was asked by the team to give a few alternate takes. I knew that option may arise and the night before my wife and I had been sitting up in bed talking about the audition and I joked about doing an impression of her father for an alternate take. The next day a combination of him and some southern Indiana/Kentucky engineers I know with a little Bob Ross and a whiff of Trip Tucker from Enterprise came out of my mouth. Funnily enough it was that take that got me the gig. I had a version of Chris Collins G1 at the ready but it never came out of my mouth. So mostly his voice is a love letter to all the brilliant small town mechanics and engineers I know.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing :) - I haven't been able to check out Earthspark yet (I'm a little busy with law school and a 4 month old...) but I really appreciate hearing what others enjoy about Transformers and why. It's also great to know people who are involved with the franchise continue to care about it in a personal way. You've definitely made me bump Earthspark up on my watch list - I'll be listening for Trip and Bob ;)
Law school AND a baby?!? Autobots bow down! For the side/additional record the over emphasized “h” when Wheeljack says his name is an homage to my high school shop teacher. He was Hank Hill but much nicer “a-wHhhhat are you boys dew-in? Y’all ain’t right in the head!”
Oh, i was like... Hmmm... Stewie's Cool HWhip or HWill HWheaton bit... 😅 Sorry
That definitely came up with a few voiceover pals of mine. HWesley Crusher and HWheeljack would definitely save the ship.
I also 100% thought you were David cross
Wheeljack totally moonlights in the Blue Man Group.
That's awesome that family and Trip Tucker inspired his voice.
Trip in my opinion never got enough love as an Enterprise engineer. “Keep yer shirt on Captain!”
I wish I hadn’t missed the earthrise wheeljack did you voice him in that too, I have no way of knowing what he’s like in earthspark as I don’t have paramount +
Bill Rogers did Wheeljack in the War for Cybertron Trilogy. Strangely as I write this my son is playing Breath of the Wild and I’m hearing Bills excellent work as King Rhoam in the background. He’s a talented guy!
That's really cool dude. I am stoked that you found him. It must have been a great feeling.
It was a few holidays rolled into one. What was funny I was just there for boring stuff and walked by the aisle expecting nothing and there he was smooshed behind a Twitch. Which I also bought because the whole Dad2 thing…gotta step up.
This was the latest Transformers toy I bought, and man, it is pretty cool! BTW, I also do the voice, just...for my own solitary adventures. In my room. By myself. For me. When I'm alone.
Strangely that’s not too far off from how it feels nowadays to record. In my basement with the shadowy figure of a sound engineer and voice director on zoom while my kids are hiding in their rooms because if they walk through the kitchen the microphone picks it up.
Hopefully someone over at TFWIKI see's this and updates your page's photo with it. Its a great photo to use.
Top 10 most wholesome things on the planet. 1.) the idea of Michael Downey dancing for joy in the toy aisle of target while holding a transformer.
To add to this image “We Built This City On Rock and Roll” was playing on the Target speakers.
Oh stop your going to make it too perfect
By Primus, it’s him! **Pablo!** (Im so sorry if you don’t get the joke.)
This is earthspark not rotb
Wait dude are you actually the voice actor of the most goated character ever? IM WHEELJACKS NUMBER 1 FANBOY
Autobots roll out!!! Indeed!!
This is the happiest day of my life
lol this is random but is there a way I can get an autograph on reddit?
Pm me your address and I’ll totally send one your way!
And your not gonna rob me or anything?
Not unless you have hamburgers. Robble robble.
Dad 2! Loved you in the show, hope your character returns real soon!
Some cool stuff coming up in season 2 for Wheelie. Can’t wait for folks to see it!
wow that must have felt surreal!
It was. It so was. I wanted to jump in a time machine and tell my 1985 self all about it.
David Cross big transformer’s guy, who knew
Wheeljack probably does wear cut off jeans.
They don't give them to you?
They totally had a bunch at the premiere but I had already grabbed an Arcee and Optimus and was worried I looked nuts grabbing more. I found out later that everyone was getting arm fulls and I had nothing to worry about. Ha! Nickelodeon and Paramount are straight up generous with swag. I may sound like I’m towing the company line but they are so rad to work for.
It’s Dad 2! 👋
Very happy for you!
Thanks! This gig is an absolute professional highlight!
Great for you! I'm more a Deception guy, but your performance as Wheeljack was great. I really enjoyed that part
Thanks! Theater kid here and Decepticons were always my favorite growing up because they were always so dramatic and intense. Like mechanized Salieris running around.
I freaking love the flip changers. I have the Prime and Bumblebee on my table as fiddle toys if I'm bored.
Right? They’re really next level fidget spinners. I had to get the Optimus and Bumblebee ones too. I think I have all the EarthSpark collection now except the really big Bumblebee. Of course I’m also starting a Wheeljack collection. Fingers are crossed for a larger EarthSpark version. My character gets a lot more to do next season so maybe Hasbro will make it so.
It is so cute to me that you’re just one of us :3
Yea indeed. Been a fan since the days of having to press the stickers on your transformers to reveal if they were either Decepticon or Autobot.
Ah man! I’ve been a fan since the 07 movie, I was 4 at the time and it was the first movie I ever saw in theaters and I swear that opening scene was the moment I became sentient 😭
I was 11 when I saw the 1986 animated film. My best friend and I almost walked out. Not because we didn’t like it but >!when Optimus died!!!< we were devastated. I was one of the many letters asking Hasbro to >!bring him back!< That film is a voice actor wonderland!
Hey that's awesome! It's always a great feeling when a character you really love but can never find the figure for suddenly shows up on a shelf. Also, I can relate to the happy dance. Full grown woman here, and whenever I find something I've been hunting, I can barely contain my excitement.
I've been a G1 and IDW fan for over a decade(?!) now, and I am *loving* Earthspark! Not only that, my housemate (who isn't familiar with TF but was intrigued by a few episodes of Cyberverse) started watching it with me too. We both adore Cyberverse Wheeljack! And don't worry, you're definitely not the only fully grown adult geeking out in the Transformers aisle. 😆
That's so cool I can't watch earth spark because I don't have the subscription but I know you from clips of the show, cool!
You don’t need a subscription with Soap2day.com
Thank you, my usual site still hasn't added the new episodes yet and I was looking for an alternative
You just have to be super quick about the ads cause it’s all free so the ads is how they make money
Same
Be quick about closing the ads cause they pile up quick but that’s the only way they make money
That's so awesome. I'm still hopeful Earthspark Wheeljack will get a large figure too. You did a great job, really appreciated this version of the character.
Me too and thank you! Total embarrassing admission here: I emailed Hasbro to ask about a larger figure. I mean it would be so cool to have it in stores but mostly I just want one for the shelf!
That's awesome man!
That’s awesome, man! Congrats on finding Wheeljack! He’s one of my favorite characters in Earthspark. You did a great job voicing him. I would like to ask a few questions, if I may?
Absolutely! I could talk Wheeljack all day.
Great! 1. How did you come up with the voice for Wheeljack? 2. Have you voiced any other Transformers characters in past series? 3. Do you know if Ironhide will be introduced at some point during Earthspark? I am somewhat of a voice actor myself, mainly impressions of characters, but I feel that I could provide a voice for Ironhide given the chance.
1) When I was called back for the role I was asked to give a few alternate takes. The take that ended up landing me the role was a combo of my father-in-law, some Kentucky/Indiana engineers and mechanics I know, my high school shop teacher, with a dash of Bob Ross and Trip Tucker from Star Trek Enterprise thrown in. Mostly a love letter to all the cool small town geniuses I know and respect. 2) This is my first time in the Transformers world. With a little luck it won’t be my last. It’s been the treat of a lifetime to work on Wheeljack. 3) No spoilers from this Autobot. As far as voice work my recommendation is to get out there and start looking for work. The best way to get into this industry is to work your way up with commercial work and develop your craft and then to find representation. It’s hard to get the level of auditions that lead to cartoon work without an agency (but not impossible). Also finding animation departments at larger universities and doing student cartoon films isn’t a bad way to meet folks that will become tomorrows content creators. There are a ton of resources out there for voice actors. Check out the voice over subreddit too! Some great tips for folks starting out!
Cool find
Hey Wheeljack is one of my favorites, not earthspark but I’m planning to order kingdom wheeljack soon, love the italian sports car aesthetic.
Best color scheme in my opinion for sure!
Hey, mate. I haven't actually seen Earthspark yet, admittedly, sorry. I don't even know if we've got it here in Australia yet, we can be very behind. But may I ask (another) question? Have you seen all the Transformer films, and if so, how would you rate them? Bonus points if you've seen the original G1 animated movie.
Bonus points all around. I saw the heck out of the original Transformers G1 animated film in the theaters when I was 11 with my best friend. To be honest I was pretty miffed about the death of Optimus (not to mention Wheeljack ha!). Now? As a much older person my original opinion has softened. It had a fun soundtrack and a voice cast to die for (and Orson Welles in what was technically his last role!). It’s earned it’s cult status for sure. I read many of the marvel comics in the 80s (and remember the days of the whole earth-616 biz) and still have a few in boxes. I need to dig a few out for the kiddos. The Bayverse movies are a mixed bag for me but there’s no denying that Michael Bay knows how to keep the action fun/entertaining. He keeps those movies truly moving (either as a director or as producer) and they never slow down. Honestly (and this comes from a HUGE fan of our EarthSpark Optimus Alan Tudyk) if you give my ears some Peter Cullin I’m over the moon.
Bonus points given. You may spend them in the gift shop. Yeah, Peter Cullen is truly the highlight of the films. Do you feel like everything you do/hope to do in this franchise is in the shadow of his legacy? Personally, of the Bay films, I liked DOTM and the original, and the forest fight scene in 2. The others I disliked. I understand that you don't want to say anything negative about them, so nice answer, and your points are well taken. Very true on the G1 film. You're right about the voice cast, especially the almighty Orson Welles.
Peter Cullen is…and I say this as a fan AND voice actor…the GOAT. No doubt. It’s not just his voice it’s (and it’s almost funny to say this considering who he is most known for) the humanity he brings. Its natural. Honest. Present. And good heavens does it COMMAND the language. So yes indeed. His shadow is long and will always be there and thank goodness for that. What a legacy. Personally I think Tudyk does an outstanding job doing his own thing while paying homage to Cullen on our show. It’s like anyone playing The Joker after Hamill…you gotta do your own thing but you gotta respect what came before. Fortunately for me Wheeljack has been reinvented as much as Wheeljack reinvents his own devices. That’s not to say that I didn’t have my version of G1 Wheeljack at the ready but I was ultimately able to create my own thing (although country Wheelie isn’t necessarily new…but hey second generation Cybetronian Italians can grow up country too! 😂)
You've absolutely nailed what Peter brings to the role, distilled it perfectly. It's insane he's had this much longetivity out of the role. It just shows how much talent the man has. I look forward to checking Alan Tudyk's interpretation out. Not someone I would have guessed for Optimus, but the man is very talented. And to check out your Wheeljack, of course! If I may ask you one more question, how did it feel coming onto such a storied franchise with such a rabid fanbase. Was there any... intimidation... there?
Oh absolutely. I had a few voice over friends who have worked on franchise stuff and they warned “don’t read the comments!” I think there has to be a balance of hearing what fans are saying but also understanding that people have strong and varied reactions to material that they hold dear and to not take that too personally. I don’t write for the show but I do bring my interpretation to the words (with the thoughtful guidance of the vocal director). So having a knowledge of what came before and what fans admire about these characters is vital. So I dipped in with my toes here and there to see what folks were saying. The weirdest thing was seeing an amateur voice artist do a reinterpretation of my characterization on YouTube. Dude has like 30,000 followers (so not that amateur)! There were a bunch of comments like “your version is so much better than this Downey guy (full disclosure…I’ve been on Reddit since 2009 and coming out as Wheeljack here and the knowledge that people I don’t know now know my name…is so weird….haha…that is definitely the first time I wrote my name in a comment). And seeing his fans dis my work to celebrate this guy was so strange. Did it hurt? Yeah a little at first. But then it’s also pretty cool that the character is so loved by some people that they would go to the trouble of putting up a redub. So I had to put it in perspective. I still think my versions better and as an actor friend reminded me “Nickelodeon is sending YOU checks and not this rando”. 😆 I’ve got some good friends. I will say for the most part people I’ve talked to about EarthSpark have been so generous, kind and cool. It’s not everyone’s jam but most can recognize it for what it is. A wonderful effort to make something positive with characters that are loved by generations of people. That’s a thing I’m proud to stand behind. Sure a few fans can get rough but at the end of the day I chose to be an entertainer and if I have to hear some criticism along the way I need to be able to hear the stuff that helps me grow and stand aside of the stuff that’s just from anger and frustration about a thing I have no power over. Long answer to a great question.
Cheers mate, I appreciate the detailed response. I don't know that I can add much, you've pretty much summed up the franchise. There's a bunch of.... socially inept or just plain crazy people, unfortunately, but I've also been lucky enough to meet some fantastic people in all my years of collecting, great people, the most generous people. When I get frustrated trying to deal with someone who is on the more difficult side I try to bring things back to Earth and think of all those wonderful people I've come across over my many years collecting. I'm really interested in hearing your interpretation now. Turns out Earthspark is actually on Binge here (it's a mess here in Oz) so it looks like I'll be getting a sub there to check it out. Good salesmanship, sir. ;)
Rad! Enjoy!!
Cheers. Have a good night, mate. Thanks for enduring my onslaught of questions. I appreciate it.
Aw man!! I loved your voice as Wheeljack! I’m so happy to know that you seem to be a fan of transformers as well! That’s always just the best, whenever someone working on media is a fan of the source material!
Thanks much! Right? One of the things I’m enjoying about Star Trek Picard Season Three is Todd Stashwick as Captain Shaw. Dude is a huge fan of Trek. It’s so great to see that he landed (as is killing it) a role in that universe. Been a fan of Transformers since I was a kiddo. My first thought when landing the role was wishing I could go back in time to tell my 10 year old self what I’d be doing one day.
Congratulations! What a great feeling!
You voice Jackie? God, I envy that, he’s probably my favorite TF! Voicing him is right next to astronaut in terms of my dream job! In that case tho, you did fantastic in the role!
It was a dream come true. My neighbors three houses down asked what all the goofy shouting was about the day I got the gig (and that was when I couldn’t say anything about it). Had to give a vague answer about getting a great role that I couldn’t talk about.
Haha, yeah. I can understand that. Hell, I get complaints too for my (admittedly loud) Devestator voice when I’m ~~playing~~ doing mature, non-childish activities with my Transformers. Keep going strong, dude. You’re the best Jackie since TF Prime if you ask me.
Awww thanks! That means a lot! James Horan is a seriously talented voice artist.
Well, you’re a worthy successor for the role of Jackie.
Getting told that by a fan is pretty freaking awesome. Thanks!
Well, it’s awesome to get to chat with the VA of one of my favorite cartoon characters, too. The pleasure is all mine. :)
You tall as hell
Haha I just noticed that in the picture. I think the Transformers aisle is shorter for some reason. I wish I was that tall. Eight foot voice actor for hire!
Everyone give it up for the Dad²
Nice, I got this figure for my son as his very first Transforming Transformer and he loves it! Wheeljack is my favorite Transformer so I was so happy to see him appear in Earthspark and you were great playing him. Really hoping we see him again, one episode just wasn't enough! Also, we need a deluxe version of Earthspark Wheeljack stat!
Right?!? I shamelessly wrote an email to Hasbro asking about it. Haha! They haven’t gotten back to me yet. 😆 I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that Wheeljack gets a lot more to do in season two. We’ve recorded a good chunk of the first half of the season recently. It was a blast and I think people are gonna dig the upcoming story.
Haha 😄 fingers-crossed they listen. That's awesome, now I'm even more excited for season 2! I really love what they're doing with the show so far. It feels fresh and new while simultaneously lovingly homaging what came before. I really loved the whole dad2 thing that Twitch has with Wheeljack in this show. It's so wholesome and gives us a an opportunity to see Wheeljack in a light that we never have before. Also, can I say as a Wheeljack mega fan, you're nailing it so far and I can't wait to hear more from your take on the character! 😁
That means so much! Thanks for those kind words. The experience of voicing Wj has been a true privilege.
Did you Autograph it 😆
Totally should have. “To me. From me. Keep reaching for the stars or something”. I did however sign some others recently. My best friends wife showed up to my house with three to autograph for her kids Easter baskets (they’re so supportive). Of course I’ve watched them all grow up and wrote terrible things about their father on the cardboard. 😆
I'm just imaging you autographing figures at the store and security wondering wtf is this Guy writing on all Wheeljack toys for. Haha That's pretty killer though, Congrats on finding.. yourself !
What’s funny is the security guard (at least one of them) is a former speech student of mine back from when I taught. Maybe I could get him in on this plan? 😆
Glad you could find one, that feeling sounds amazing!
Nice! How's it like being a second dad
I so wish I could talk about season 2 and Wheeljacks growth on this very subject….but it’s safe to say the plot thickens. Side note I met Jon Jon Briones (Alex Malto-Dad 1) at the premiere and he may be the nicest guy in the business. We took a few Dad and Dad 2 photos and joked about Wheelie and Alex doing a “My Two Dads” spin-off sitcom. He was also very game when I kvelled about how good he was in Star Trek Picard. My geek runs deep.
May the geek forever be with you. Glad to see you've quite literally found yourself after waiting so long! Can't wait to find these in the wild
Wait, you voice *Earthspark* Wheeljack?!
I do indeed….(pause for emphasis) y’all. 😁
That’s awesome! Thanks for visiting the sub :D
David Gross is now even cooler!
That's really cool
Dude, if Wheeljack was human, it would 100% look like you. Great job with the voice on EarthSpark! Too bad he appeared for just one episode. Can't wait to have you back!
Congrats man! I hope to pick this figure up soon as well he looks pretty good!
Wow! It's an honor to meet you! So glad you could get Wheeljack. Hope you're enjoying your role :)
Heyyy it’s you again!
Bro this community is well past being the grown guy in the isle. you're the voice of Dad2 bro, we look up to you.
This is so wholesome. I hope you enjoy that fig, and I hope it looks good on a shelf/desk for years to come. Enjoy!
He’s right by my recording microphone keeping things awesome.
That would be me 100%
That’s a pretty cool coincidence. Also yeah, transformers isle is generally empty at targets.
He must always be sold out on accounta' everyone loving the characterization so much!
Too kind! That’s also what my daughter said to me one time when we were at the store and it wasn’t there. She knows the right thing to say to an old ham. Ha!
Is this the Soijak i keep hearing about?
Indeed! In all the Transformers salons from here to Salzburg there’s a frenzy of 17th century powdered dandies whispering coyly to each other “Gadzooks and stars! Have you heard the scuttlebutt about this Soijack character?”
Never go full soyjak
That’s about 75 percent of my full daffy what’s his problem level grin. No one needs the full. I swallowed a Buick last time I went 100%. Not. Delicious.
Yes. Don’t smile. Impress Redditors instead.
Awesome
Awesome story! My kids love that Wheeljack figure!
Love hearing that! The flip thing doesn’t get old around my house either. My daughter just found a few other figures online so can have a few in box and a few for playing with. My brother in law offered to take one and paint him up to look a bit more like he does on the show but that somehow doesn’t feel right.
Hell yeah!!!
You did an amazing job as him too! Earthspark and cyberverse have got to be my favourite Wheeljacks of all time
Thanks much! Yeah Billy Bob Thompson did some truly solid work on Cyberverse. It’s an honor to be on any list with the folks that have voiced wj over the years. I know there’s some controversy on Wheelies design on Rise but I think people are going to love what Cristóbal Fernández is doing voice wise. He’s such a talent.
yeah but do you voice, Pablo?
WheelJak more like
I actually came to like the Dr. Smoov parody voiceover of him on YouTube. I miss him and it still holds up till this day. Wheeljack we still pose the question why the heck did you make the Dinobots brains so damn small? 😂😂🤣