hosted by popgeeks.com | Forum DC Comics Solicitations June 2024 DC Comics Solicitations May 2024



Backstage - Interviews - Michael Rosenbaum

Hello! First off, to those who may not be familiar with your work, care to give us a quick rundown of your resume, perhaps highlighting some of your most prestigious work?

I've been around for a while. Most people know me from Smallville, but I actually have great hair and I'm not that mean. I wouldn't call all my work prestigious, but some of it hasn't been too shabby. I'm certainly proud of some the movies I've done like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Poolhall Junkies. Working with a legend like Clint Eastwood in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, makes you step up a little as an actor. I love being challenged. I really enjoy the funny roles I've done in movies such as Sorority Boys and Bringing Down the House. I have a lot of fun doing comedies. I'd rather make people laugh any day of the week.

Now, we’re here to discuss your turn as Deadman in the upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold episode “Dawn of the Deadman” (awesome name, by the way). It’s quite a different character for you to play in a DC-Animated tune (save for Ghoul from Batman Beyond). How d you get in the mindset to play, essentially, a body-jumping ghost?

Well, I really just jumped into it. All joking aside, I always imagine the character a certain way when I read it and then the director will add or subtract from that. It was certainly an interesting character to lend my voice to. Playing a character that has a bit of an arc is always a treat. Moreover, I love changing my voice a little.

Due to the nature of the character, will we get to see you do a host of different impressions in this episode? Is there anything you can reveal about what we can expect from you, and the Deadman character you’ll be playing, in this upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold episode?

Aside from doing a little Japanese at the end of the episode, I just stuck with one impression for the most part. I used a bit of a New York dialect and kept it simple. There's definitely a softer side to this character. A sad soul who wants to do good and find his way.

Batman: The Brave and The Bold is a more light-hearted approach to Batman. Do you take that into consideration when playing the role of Deadman? How does the tone of a series - whether it’s Batman: The Brave and The Bold, Justice League, Smallville, even Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane - affect how you play a role?

I love that you throw in Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane into the equation. In a nutshell, I read something and I automatically have an idea in my head of what the character should be. If I stick with what first comes to mind, I'm usually better off then when I think too much.

Now, hopefully you won’t mind if we swing off-topic for a second. You have a massive voice-acting resume. What attracts you to voice-acting?

It's easy and fun. It's as simple as that. I don't have to shave to talk into a microphone. I can just drink my ginger-ale and relax. As long as I don't sip too loudly. I've been very lucky by the way. Andrea Romano, who directs a lot of the animation in town, has given me quite a bit of work. She believes in me and I just adore her. Did I mention she's won tons of awards? Big time awards. I once won a Saturn Award. My friends asked me when I was going to receive the Uranus award. I didn't answer them.

Animation fans likely recognize you from your role as Flash from Justice League and its sequel series Justice League Unlimited. Any comments, looking back, about your role in the series, both as an actor and the character you portrayed? Would you be interested in returning to the character in the future?

I would love if they brought me back to do The Flash. I didn't even know about Justice League Unlimited until it was already cast. That's just the way it goes though. They like to mix it up a bit and I don't blame them. I'm surprised by how many people really like The Flash. I was at an autograph signing and I couldn't believe the amount of fans out there who wanted to meet the voice behind the Flash. Very cool.

As semi-follow-up to the previous question, do you have any favorite particular episode or moment from Justice League that stands out?

"The Great Brain Robbery" episode was a lot of fun. Plus, it was one of the few where The Flash had a lot to do. Like every actor... I always want more.

So, you’re taking a break from Smallville at the moment. Do you miss the series? Are you interested in returning or seeing Luthor return to said series (or, as many fans have theorized, is your character already back)? A break?

I don't think anyone has really let the idea that I'm not coming back actually sink in. I find it flattering. Do I miss the series? I miss the people. I will always cherish the fun times I had on the set of Smallville.

Now, many fans consider you the definitive Lex Luthor, and the definitive voice of Flash. How do you feel about that?

I'll take that compliment all day long. Are you kidding me? I have the best fans. I don't know how many I have, but they're certainly the most loyal and sincere fans out there. The fact that they are putting me in the same category as Gene Hackman... baffles me. But I'll take it.

You’ve worked in TV, movies, and animation. How do you avoid stretching yourself thin? At one point, you were working on Smallville, Justice League, and assorted movies at the same time. How do you juggle all of that?

I try not to pass up good work or work that interests me. I just have to keep moving. I know where I want to go and if I stop, I'll never get there.

So, as we begin to wrap this up, do you have any projects you’d like to let us know about? A new movie coming? Television appearance? Let us know!

I'm writing two movies. They're both pretty amazing projects. I'm also filming a movie this summer in Toronto that I'm extremely excited about.

Finally, any final thoughts on your upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold appearance? Any last words?

It's truly a wonderful episode and it airs this Friday, January 16th at 8:00 PM on Cartoon Network. I urge you to watch it - because I'm in it. All joking aside, it's very clever and I know the fans will really enjoy seeing this character fight side by side with Batman.

[ Back to Backstage ]


Batman: The Brave and the Bold and related characters are property of DC Comics and WB, 2001 - Present Day.
The World's Finest and everything relating to this site - copyright, 1998 - Present Day.
Proudly hosted by toonzone and popgeeks. Contact us.



World's Finest Series List | Batman: Brave and the Bold
Bios | Guides | Media | Backstage


 

DC Comics on popgeeks.com