The World’s Finest caught up with Producer Giancarlo Volpe to discuss the long-awaited return of Green Lantern: The Animated Series to Cartoon Network. After netting nearly two million viewers with the one-hour Green Lantern: The Animated Series – “Beware My Power” special event last November, the acclaimed animated series is back, airing Saturdays at 10am (ET/PT) beginning March 3rd, 2012 as part of the DC Nation programming block on Cartoon Network. In the following interview, Volpe delves into the production aspect of Green Lantern: The Animated Series and why it’s so crucial for fans to tune in every week for the adventures of the Emerald Knight!
Continue to the The World’s Finest Green Lantern: The Animated Series subsite for more content and details from the Warner Bros. Animation production. Green Lantern: The Animated Series airs Saturdays at 10am (ET/PT) beginning March 3rd, 2012 as part of DC Nation on Cartoon Network!
Cartoon Network has confirmed “Beware My Power, Green Lantern’s Light, Part One” airs March 3rd, 2012 at 10am (ET/PT), with the conclusion “Beware My Power, Green Lantern’s Light, Part Two” airing March 10th, 2012 at 10am (ET/PT). Additionally, Cartoon Network airs Green Lantern: The Animated Series encores Sunday mornings at 10am (ET/PT). Complete March 2012 episode details for Green Lantern: The Animated Series are expected to be released shortly, so keep checking back at The World’s Finest for more.
Stay tuned for further updates on Green Lantern: The Animated Series, including exclusive content and more, here soon at The World’s Finest.
New video content, images and a studio-conducted Q & A for the Justice League: Doom animated feature have been made available by Warner Home Video, all of which is available below. Please note the first three thumbnails below lead to three separate High-Definition interview clips with Nathan Fillion, the voice of Green Lantern in Justice League: Doom, now available on home video. After that, additional images featuring Fillion and stills from Justice League: Doom are also included. Please continue on to view the content.
Castle star Nathan Fillion reprises Green Lantern role for Justice League: Doom available today, February 28 on Blu-ray, DVD
Nathan Fillion continues to look good in green.
The star of ABC Television Networks hit series Castle, and fanboy/fangirl idol for his role in Joss Whedons Firefly, Fillion returns to the super hero fold to voice Green Lantern/Hal Jordan for Justice League: Doom, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies. The film is available everywhere today Tuesday, February 28.
Fillion returns to the DC Universe after two successful turns first as Steve Trevor in the animated film Wonder Woman, and then last year in the title role of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, voicing Hal Jordan. He has also performed voice work on Justice League, Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., and several Halo video games.
Before taking reins as the title character in Castle, Fillion starred in several primetime television series, including Desperate Housewives, Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He has also developed a popular cult following as a pair of Joss Whedons heroic captains: Capt. Mal Reynolds in the space-western series Firefly and follow-up film, Serenity; and Captain Hammer in Whedons internet sensation Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog.
Justice League: Doom finds Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman on their heels when a team of super villains discover and implement the Dark Knights contingency plans for stopping any rogue Justice League member. The story is inspired by Mark Waids much-heralded JLA: Tower of Babel.
Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new Justice League: Doom arrives today, February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet Digital Copy.
Fillions relaxed, easy-going, honest demeanor makes any interview a joy check out his answers below to a brief interview following his initial voiceover session for Justice League: Doom. And also keep your eyes peeled for video clips of answers from the same interview, offering additional insight on his thoughts about the film, his character and entertainment in general. Read on
QUESTION: This is your second run with Green Lantern. Do you now take full equity in the character?
NATHAN FILLION: I dont think I can take full equity in this character too many people have a chunk. Ryan Reynolds gets the right-of-way on this one. Right now I feel pretty Green Lantern-ish. But sooner or later, I think Ill be a poor mans Green Lantern.
QUESTION: How did the role in Justice League: Doom compare with the voicing of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights?
NATHAN FILLION: It was definitely different this time. A little more action, and more conversational. Last time it was like reading prose. We referred to last time as biblical, as though we were reading bible passages. Far more narrative, because Hal Jordan was really just relating stories of the Green Lantern Corps, and then being one of many contributing to the main story that weaves its way through the short stories. This time, its all action.
QUESTION: During your recording today, there were times when we could see a sly smile come across your face. What were you thinking?
NATHAN FILLION: This kind of work, it makes me happy. Makes me smile. When Im doing these voiceovers, I kind of like to live in the moment. You suspend reality for just a second. You know what Green Lantern looks like, you know the situations, you know the characters that surround him. So I kind of just like to live in that moment for half-a-second like Im there and it makes me (smile).
QUESTION: Super heroes inspire so many folks these days. Who inspired you as a kid?
NATHAN FILLION: Its always kind of in retrospect that you look back and think, That was a really big deal. But looking back, it was my dad and my brother who inspired me. My father has no fear. We dont have to worry about things like stopping meteors from hitting the Earth. Were not super. The things we worry about are every day social situations where something might be awkward or out of our control. My dad has never wanted to feel uncomfortable or awkward. He kind of says it like it is. If youre comfortable enough to do that thing, hes going to be comfortable enough to comment on it quite honestly. He always sort of controls every situation like that. Hell just say. Youre kind of a jerk, arent you? Hes that kind of heroic guy.
My brother has those same qualities, but hes more diplomatic about it. Hes more of a gentle giant. His leadership style, he says, is the velvet glove over the top of an iron fist. You get the soft velvet, but if you push against the glove, you get the iron fist.
QUESTION: What are your first memories of comics?
NATHAN FILLION: We had the Wee Book Inn, a second-hand bookstore (in Edmonton). You came in with a stack of comic books, and theyd kind of leaf through them for their value, and then say, Alright, from these 60 comics, you can have 35 from our used copies, and then my dad would fork over another 10 bucks or so we could have our full stack of 60 comics. Every few months wed go back to the store and get a fresh influx of comics. Wed only keep the ones we really, really liked. And my dad knew somebody who owned a proper comic book shop which kind of went the way of Dungeons and Dragons and eventually closed. I think if theyd stuck with comics, theyd have still been around. So I was really into comics. My brother and I would take turns with who got to have that comic book rack in their room. Wed go back and forth. Then eventually my brother got a little older, and then I started collecting and getting cardboard backs and plastic covers. Proper collecting. And then youve got to say, Okay, what am I going to do, spend all my money on comics? Because it got a little expensive. So comics or girls? Comics or girls? Hmmm
QUESTION: And now rather than just collecting comics, youre in them. How does that strike you?
NATHAN FILLION: Im a fan. I am very fortunate in that now I have a piece. Forever I will have this piece of Green Lantern. Ah yes, he voiced Green Lantern back in the day when they were still doing it on TVs and not holograms. Ill always have a chunk. Its nice to be a fan and own a piece.
Photo by Gary Miereanu.
All of the above content is available on the The World’s Finest Justice League: Doom subsite. Click on the links below to discuss both the new Justice League: Doom animated feature and its respective DVD and Blu-ray home video releases.
Click here to read the The World’s Finest review of the Justice League: Doom Blu-ray release, along with additional content from the animated feature.
A co-production of Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the direct-to-video Justice League: Doom animated feature is now available to own on Blu-ray disc and DVD from Warner Home Video, as well as legal download.
Warner Home Video has revealed that the annual WonderCon convention will see the debut of Superman Versus The Elite, the Summer 2012 DC Universe Animated Original movie release. The 2012 WonderCon, one of the country’s top comics and pop culture conventions, will be held at Anaheim, California and the Anaheim Convention Center for the weekend of March 16 – 18, 2012. The World Premiere of Superman Versus The Elite will be held on March 16th, 2012 at 6:30pm (ET) on the Third Level Ballroom. The following details for the event are as seen below.
WonderCon Exclusive World Premiere: Superman vs. The Elite Friday, March 16th, 2012 – 6:30pm – 8:00pm Be among the first to see the latest release from the popular series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies when Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation present the World Premiere of Superman Versus The Elite. In the film, Superman’s effectiveness as a superhero comes into question when a new group of super-powerful crusaders, known as “The Elite,” appear on the scene. As superheroes, the Elite know no bounds and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy — putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical, preferably nonlethal Man of Steel. The voice cast is led by George Newbern (Father of the Bride), reprising his Justice League/Justice League Unlimited role as Superman, NCIS star Pauley Perrette as Lois Lane, and versatile voice actor Robin Atkin Downes (Batman: Year One, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Manchester Black, the leader of The Elite. Award-winning comics writer Joe Kelly has adapted his original story from the heralded Action Comics #775 (“What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way”) into a script directed by Michael Chang (Batman: Brave and the Bold) and executive produced by Bruce Timm (Batman: Year One). See the film, then stay for the panel, where members of the filmmaking team and voice cast will take questions from moderator Gary Miereanu and the audience. Prizes will be awarded, and new details about future DC Universe films will be revealed! Ballroom, Third Level
Superman Versus The Elite is the first DC Universe Animated Original Movie to be directed by Michael Chang. Additionally, this is also Joe Kelly’s first work for the popular direct-to-video animated feature line.
The World Premiere of Superman Versus The Elite will be held at WonderCon on March 16th, 2012 at 6:30pm (ET) on the Third Level Ballroom. Additional details on Superman Versus The Elite can be found here and here.
A co-production of Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the direct-to-video Superman Versus The Elite animated feature debuts Summer 2012 on Blu-ray, DVD, OnDemand and for Download from Warner Home Video.
Stay tuned for further updates here soon at The World’s Finest.
The all-new direct-to-video Justice League: Doom animated feature from Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation is now available to own on Blu-ray and DVD. The new animated feature is loosely based on the acclaimed JLA: Tower of Babel comic storyline. Warner Home Video distributes the direct-to-video animated feature, which is also available on Pay-Per-View, OnDemand and for legal download. The Blu-ray release for Justice League: Doom features exclusive extras, including a creative team commentary and featurettes. The cover artwork for the separate home video releases are available below.
Further information on this latest DC Universe Animated Original Movie title can be found by clicking the images above. Click on the links below to discuss both the new Justice League: Doom animated feature and its respective DVD and Blu-ray home video releases.
Click here to read the The World’s Finest review of the Justice League: Doom Blu-ray release.
A co-production of Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the direct-to-video Justice League: Doom animated feature is now available to own on Blu-ray disc and DVD from Warner Home Video, as well as legal download.
Continuing, the Justice League: Doom home video release also includes a look at the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie title, Superman Versus The Elite. Click on the thumbnails below to view a selection of images from the “A Sneak Peek at Superman Versus The Elite” featurette available on all Justice League: Doom home video releases. The following images are exclusive to The World’s Finest and are not to be removed without permission or credit given.
Superman Versus The Elite, the next direct-to-video DC Universe Animated Original Movie release, is slated to hit DVD and Blu-ray Summer 2012. Additional details are available here. Stay tuned for further updates here soon at The Worlds Finest.
New video content, images and a studio-conducted Q & A for the Justice League: Doom animated feature have been made available by Warner Home Video, all of which is available below. Please note the first four thumbnails below lead to four separate High-Definition interview clips with Michael Rosenbaum, the voice of The Flash in Justice League: Doom, set for home video release tomorrow, February 28th, 2012. After that, additional images featuring Rosenbaum and stills from Justice League: Doom are also included. Please continue on to view the content.
Smallville star Michael Rosenbaum reprises role of Flash for Justice League: Doom
Justice League & Justice League Unlimited star returns for key role in all-new DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie available February 28
Michael Rosenbaum makes his triumphant return as the beloved voice of The Flash in Justice League: Doom, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies. The film will be available everywhere on Tuesday, February 28.
Rosenbaum brought his own playful, gregarious, sometimes sarcastic personality to Flash for the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated television series, setting the standard as the voice behind the fastest man alive. Rosenbaum is one of eight actors returning to their original animated voice from the Justice League series.
Fanboy crowds also hold Rosenbaum in high esteem for his impressive performance as Lex Luthor for seven seasons of Smallville. Hell soon be seen opposite Bradley Cooper and Kristen Bell in Outrun, and hes currently in production on Old Days, a triple threat for Rosenbaum as he is writer, director and star of the film.
Justice League: Doom finds Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman on their heels when a team of super villains discover and implement the Dark Knights contingency plans for stopping any rogue Justice League member. The story is inspired by Mark Waids much-heralded JLA: Tower of Babel.
Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new Justice League: Doom arrives February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet Digital Copy.
Any interview with Rosenbaum is well worth the price of admission, as you just dont know which direction the answer might come from. Heres a Q&A with the actor following his first voice session for the film
QUESTION: How was this Flash different from your past performances?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: This Flash is more mature, so hes taking things a little more seriously. But we still had some fun with the character. He’s still fun loving, but he’s taking business seriously.
QUESTION: What does it mean to you to be back with this group of actors again?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: It’s amazing being back with the old team, to come back here and all be a part of something special. It’s exciting. And everybody’s really great. We always had a blast. We always were joking. Lots of great guest stars and always a lot of laughs.
QUESTION: What is it about Flash that so appeals to you?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I think it’s his sense of humor. In most super hero films and shows, everybody takes themselves so seriously and you need that guy that’s going to take the edge off, provide a little levity, give us a laugh to break the tension. Hes no less of a super hero just because hes got a comedy schtick. He just knows how to have fun with danger.
QUESTION: Did you ever learn anything about yourself voicing Flash?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I guess you learn a little from every character you play, This character is always a kid at heart. I really think deep down with The Flash that its like this inner child that’s just trying get out, and I think that everybody has got to keep that. So it reminds me that youve got to always have fun with things. Don’t take work too seriously. Don’t wait for the big part, and if you didn’t get it, it’s not the end of the world. It puts things in perspective. Be like Flash he kind of goes with the flow.
QUESTION: Do you collect any kind of Flash memorabilia?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I have toys at my house. I have Flash toys. I have Superman toys. I have lunchboxes. I have the original lunchbox of Superman The Movie. It cost me a hundy. It’s probably worth $105 now. Mm hmm. I even have The Warriors dolls. Remember The Warriors?
One of my favorite things is an original Justice League painting by Alex Ross that hangs in my guest room. Alex is a genius. I was at this convention signing autographs. And I’m a nerd. Whenever I’m done signing, I want to go walk around like the fans because that’s who I am. So I was walking around and I saw this amazing painting that was going for $2,000 and this guy says, Dont buy it, I know Alex. So sure enough, Alex sent me one about a week later to my house. And then I met him later on. Hes a great guy. He did my Lex Luthor portrait for TV Guide way back when.
QUESTION: What were you thinking coming back to the studio to record for the first time as Flash after all these years?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I made sure that I got some sleep last night before I came to the studio because I knew that I had to really bring my A-game to Bruce (Timm) and Andrea (Romano) and the crew. The great thing about voice work is that you don’t have to worry about too much because you work with a great team. You just kind of sit down and relax and have water and a bag of chips and you just say the lines until you get them right (he laughs). The funny part is that, when youre alone in the booth, sometimes you dont have anybody else to talk to. You’re just looking out through the glass partition, and if they don’t want to hear you you know, you’re making jokes and you’re annoying they just let go of the button and you sit there talking to yourself. So I sit alone in this big room and I just kind of read copy. As long as you can read, you’re okay.
QUESTION: Youve worked with Andrea Romano for a long time. What makes her so special at what she does?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: Andrea Romano is the best in the business. She knows the material. She knows exactly what’s happening at every moment. And she doesn’t make you feel stupid. Shes become a dear friend sometimes she comes to my Thanksgiving dinners. Bruce doesn’t. Okay, maybe I don’t invite him. But with Andrea, she takes her job seriously but in a fun way, kind of like Flash.
Whats really funny about Andrea is that shell sugarcoat things. Youll know you sucked on a read, but she’ll make it sound like you didn’t suck but still get you to do it better. For instance, she’ll say, That was really great, except this time you’re a little more serious or Maybe with a darker tone or something that directs the actor without deflating him. She makes it playful and fun.
QUESTION: What was your reading of choice when you were a kid?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I didn’t really have a strong comic book relationship I had more Fangoria magazines than I had comic books. I’m a big horror movie nut. Most kids would come home and do milk and cookies. My mother had milk, cookies and Motel Hell. This is the crap I watched and this is why I can’t sleep. I have an alarm system and a dog and a baseball bat next to my bed. But for some reason, I still watch horror movies. I actually directed a horror short called Fade Into You. Check it out sometime. I got these great horror actors A.J. Bowen and Danielle Harris — and we shot it at my house for two and a half days and nights. It was a blast.
QUESTION: Youve played Lex Luthor and youve voiced Flash. Is there a character that your inner geek is craving to play?
MICHAEL ROSENBAUM: I think I’d be a fantastic Han Solo. Unfortunately, Harrison Ford played Han Solo. But I think that’s my personality. Maybe someday theyll do a series where I could play Han Solo. Who knows? A guy can hope.
A co-production of Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the direct-to-video Justice League: Doom animated feature debuts February 28th, 2012 on Blu-ray, DVD, OnDemand and for Download from Warner Home Video. Further details are available at the The World’s Finest Justice League: Doom subsite.
Stay tuned for further updates here soon at The World’s Finest.