Jacob Hopkins – Dragons: Rescue Riders

By starrymag | April 10, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) Season 2 of “Dragons Rescue Riders,” where I voice Axel Finke, is streaming now on Netflix. And, as always, more episodes of “The Goldbergs” where I play Chad Kremp!

 

Q) What can you tease about this season of “Dragons: Rescue Riders?”

 

A) Axel Finke sails to Huttsgalor (as a stowaway) in search of his evil genius uncle, Magnus Finke, the man who swears he’ll rid the world of pesky dragons. However, Axel has his own agenda – he wants a powerful dragon for himself. He’s a bit of a conman and will side with whoever benefits him best. As Starlord would put it, he’s “a little bit of good and a little bit of bad.” With the combination of Magnus’s genius and Axel’s smooth talking, they build a creation that may be even more powerful than a dragon…

 

Q) How was Axel Finke originally described to you?

 

A) Dreamworks told me that Axel Finke was a teenager who can use the power of smooth talking to get what he wants, which is ultimately to be the top dog… Er, dragon. Knowing how much I love the villains in How to Train Your Dragon lore (books, movies and TV show), I was super stoked about the lil conman.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to this role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) I love that I can use my own voice for Axel and explore that.  What I mean is as a voice actor it’s always fun to put your own spin on a character and make it your own.  Axel is such a fun character because he’s a conman with a twist and several things up his sleeves!

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Dragons: Rescue Riders” that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) Taking place in the How to Train Your Dragon world already gives it its perks. More Dragons content, awesome! But this take on the world appeals more to younger children, which means it has the ability to build a fanbase for the Dragons Universe at a young age ensuring future generations to become a part of the fandom. It has a very heartwarming tone and teaches morals on teamwork, bravery and friendship in fantastical and adventurous ways.

 

Q) You’ve done both onscreen and voice over work. Do you have a preference?

 

A) Personally, I’m in love with both! I paved my way of acting through on screen work, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. And I’ve watched cartoons ever since I was a kid, so being a part of the animated world is surreal! They both have their differences for sure – on camera work requires a realness about your expressions, body language, etc. and voice over work requires a trained range of voices and a variety of creativity.

 

Q) We’ve also love seeing you on “The Goldbergs.” What have been some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) I’ll always cherish the very first episode I did, The Kremps, which had a dinner scene in it between the Goldbergs and the Kremps. Getting to not only watch but act with Wendi McLendon-Covey and learn from her skills as a comedy actress was truly an incredible experience. I also really love the episode Revenge Of the Nerds where Adam (Sean Giambrone), Chad and the entire gang got to perform “Come Sail Away” on stage, which was AWESOME!

 

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time working with such talented comedic actors?

 

A) Go with your gut and REALLY go for it. Never, everhesitate in any decision you make in comedy. Comedy is about timing and instinct. If an idea pops into your head, go for it and never fear what other people will think.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is a way for me to connect with my fans on a more personal level. I can share stuff I like that they might like, too. They might send me fanart of Gumball or Axel Finke that I can repost and bring attention to not only them, but their artistic talents. They can ask me questions, which I try to answer as much as I can and they get to keep up with my current projects and goals.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) Follow your instincts, be prepared for your auditions and your work. Always be trying something new, no matter how goofy or silly you think it might be. You can never learn by being good. You learn by being bad, so never fear failure; it’s your best friend! Failure teaches you how to do. Lastly, never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because you can (what do they know, anyway?). Always persevere and strive to accomplish your goals because, in the end, the accomplishment of your goals are what really enrich your life.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) First of all, THANK YOU! I’m very appreciative to everyone who has been supportive and my awesome fans!  I wouldn’t have a career if you all didn’t like what I’ve done, so thanks for being so supportive! I promise to return the favor by providing all the entertainment I can, whether it be through cartoons, the small screen, or the big screen. Again, thank you, and hey: I’ll see ya out there! Stay tuned!