In Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther, some of Marvel’s mightiest heroes - the Avengers - assemble again to take on an alien threat they thought was already defeated. This time the action is on such an epic scale that they have to get some back-up in the form of the Black Panther.
Marc Worden, the man behind the voice of Tony Stark/Iron Man in Ultimate Avengers 1 & 2, recently took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss with Monsters and Critics what comic fans can expect from the new animated epic film, what it was like giving a voice to one of Marvel’s most loved icons, and a new animated film he has in the works that goes by the name of Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight.
M&C: You voiced Iron Man/Tony Stark in the first Ultimate Avengers. How did you originally find out about the project, and what interested you about playing Iron Man? Were there any other roles that you were interested in playing before you got the Iron Man role?
Worden: I originally read for the part of Captain America, which did not fit my…tone. Then I was lucky enough to read again for the part of Thor and again…not quite right. Third time’s the charm with Tony Stark and Iron Man. I have Craig Kyle to thank for his belief in me that I was able to read for multiple roles. I could not be happier with how it turned out. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be Tony Stark?
M&C: Ultimate Avengers brought the group together, but really focused on the Captain America character, and finally the Hulk character. The second film picks up after the events of Ultimate Avengers, but some time has passed. How does this film differ from what was done in the first movie?
Avengers Assemble!
Worden: Our first film brought Captain America back from his 60 year freeze to lead the Avengers to save the world. It was about how a group of egos work together for the greater good and put aside their differences. In Avengers 2, the team has assembled to protect mankind from another vicious attack. The Avengers are joined by The Black Panther, as his home world (Wakanda) is the target of this assault. There’s plenty of action as before and some truly vivid imagery.
M&C: What do you feel Ultimate Avengers 2 offers fans that was left out of the first film? How does it stack up against what came before in the first movie, and more importantly in the comics that laid the foundation for the film?
Worden: What blows me away is the sound. The audio on these films is epic – so turn it up and apologize to your neighbors later. As far as what’s in Avengers 2 that does not appear in the first film, I’ve got two words for you: War Machine.
M&C: Focusing on Iron Man/Tony Stark – does taking on the role really feel like taking on two characters? Is Tony Stark a different character to play than Iron Man? If so, what really separates the two?
Worden: When we recorded the voice tracks for the film I definitely had to distinguish between Tony and Iron Man. It’s all in the attitude. Tony’s a smooth, suave, arrogant and charming billionaire. Iron Man is a take charge, balls to the wall super hero who constantly risks his own health and safety to help those in need.
M&C: Like the other actors on the project, you are taking on an iconic character that has been a fan favorite in comics since he was first introduced. What kind of weight did that play in your voicing the character? Did that come into thought when you were developing the voice and attitude needed for the character?
Worden: Before working on Ultimate Avengers I was not a part of the comic book world. When I began my research on just who this Tony Stark guy is, I was blown away by the rich history and brilliant artwork that has been coming out for over 40 years. I mean come on, Stan Lee created this character in the early 60’s, before I was even born!
The Ultimates, by Bryan Hitch and Mark Millar is as good an introduction to graphic novels as you can get your hands on and for me it was a crash course in comic book dialogue and story boards. Having just returned from Comic Con in San Diego to screen our second feature for over 2000 die hard comic book fans, I can tell you without hesitation that Avengers 2 does not disappoint. The room was buzzing with laughter and cheers in all the right places and we were all so proud to share the first look at our film with those who attended.
Two words: WAR MACHINE
M&C: Tony Stark is a millionaire who risks his life to be hero. What do you feel is his driving force as Iron Man? How does this separate him from a certain other millionaire that dresses up like a bat?
Worden: Tony Stark is at the mercy of the technology that keeps him alive. Any day above ground is a good day so why not utilize your technical prowess to save the world? He gets to wear his own inventions and kick some serious ass. He’s perpetually in R&D (research and development) to refine his toys. He’s fond of all the Iron Man incarnations but has his favorites, to be sure. When you live with a disability (Tony’s heart condition) your perspective changes greatly because, what have you got to lose? So you knock back a few drinks, suit up and save humanity…all in a days work, right?
M&C: In the comic, Stark is a notorious playboy, fights bouts of depression, and is an alcoholic. I noticed in the film, we see him drinking quite a bit, and he hits on just about every female in the film. How did you approach to these aspects of his character, or since they are not a major issue of the film did you not concern yourself with it?
Worden: I drank quite a bit and hit on every female in the film. Seriously though, our films can only touch on these themes as they are intended for a wide audience. It’s a PG-13 film, so the liquor and the ladies were merely implied in our films for the fans of this character, who know all to well about Stark’s vices. Or, should I say weaknesses? How about Epicurean appreciation?
M&C: I know there is an Iron Man animated movie in production, but there also seemed to be hints of more Ultimate Avenger storylines being laid in this film (from Stark’s drinking, to love interest being explored and how it left off with the Hulk). Can fans expect more Ultimate Avengers somewhere down the line?
Worden: The Iron Man animated feature was a dream come true. I’d love to write a bit more about it, but Marvel would have my head so let’s do another interview when it comes out. As for future Ultimate Avengers features, all I can say is that these films were made for the fans and if the fans want to see more than we will get the opportunity to make them. It’s as simple as that.
M&C: I read online that you will be voicing Sturm Brightblade in an upcoming film version of the massively popular book Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight. Is there anything you can tell us about this project or any hint of what we can expect to see when the film is released?
Stark is always in research and development
Worden: Dragonlance is going to blow minds! Fans of the books have waited over 20 years to see their imaginations come to life and the producers have worked extensively with Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman to stay true to the original trilogy of books. Sturm Brightblade was a wonderful character to bring to life and very different from Tony Stark/Iron Man. He’s a tragic hero, a committed, and valiant knight who…well, I guess you’re just going to have to wait and see.
Ultimate Avengers 2: Rise of the Panther is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information and for a link to M&C’s review of the film.
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