2012 Movie News Archives

March 20, 2012: "Superman vs. The Elite" Interview with Robin Atkin Downes

Robin Atkin Downes Mary Anne Butler attended the world premiere of "Superman vs. The Elite" on behalf of the Superman Homepage, and caught up with Robin Atkin Downes to discuss his role as Manchester Black.

How is voice over different from 'regular' acting?

I enjoy the voice over, you go in for a four hour session, no make up/hair. I love the moving motion capture, most egos left at the door. There's a little waiting there, but not as much. A lot of different rolls you can play. Animation is a lot more real than it was in the 80s. Currently voicing Mumra in Thundercats, and it's a lot more real. Not as cartoony.

How did this character, Manchester Black, get his accent?

It's a fine line with accents, can't go too thick most folks wouldn't understand the real Manchester accent.

Tell us a little about Black.

Manchester is vengeance. He wants justice, but his way. He just wants to wipe 'em out and be done with them. Brings up current issues we're dealing with in the modern world currently. I didn't read the original comics, curious to see how close the story line is from the Movie to the comic. Hard to go from Alfred to Manchester. Great to play him. Just knowing you're playing Alfred was cool. Been up for Batman before, but didn't get him.

Favorite thing about Black?

He flies with his hands in his pockets, who else does that!?! His ship is called Bonnie, I mean really. Great times.

How does this film compare to the other animated Superman films of recent?

I liked the darker aspects, a lot wittier than the other Supermans I've seen. Grittier characters, more raw. We got away with a lot more I think.

How did you get into accents/voices?

I used to mimic people on the TV growing up in England, and I think I listened to a lot and matched voices. Not an impersonator. I worked very hard to lose my British accent, to do the American dialect. American accents have a lack of nuances, unless you're, you know, in the south. Once I figured that out, I was able to do it.

One character you'd like to play?

Batman!!

What else have you been working on?

Uncharted 3. I mostly play villains. Games are getting so cinematic, plays like an adventure movie. All the video games are becoming more organic with the motion capture, actors/characters working off each other.



2012 Movie News

Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2012 organized into various categories:

“Man of Steel” Movie News:

“Justice League” Movie News: “Superman: Unbound” Animated Movie News: “Justice League: Doom” Animated Movie News: “Superman vs. The Elite” Animated Movie News: Christopher Reeve Movie News: Other Movie News:

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