Vanessa Marshall – Star Wars: Rebels

By starrymag | August 30, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

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

A) In the world of animation, I continue to play Hera in Star Wars: Forces of Destiny on Disney’s YouTube channel, as well as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney XD. You can hear me in the new Teen Titans Go! To the Movies and I just did a couple of episodes of “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” on Nickelodeon, as well as a few guest roles on Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls for Cartoon Network. You also can catch me as Madam Tousant in Stretch Armstrong & The Flex Fighters now streaming on Netflix.

 

In the world of TV Promos, I just did a few funny spots for NBC to promote “America’s Got Talent” and “World of Dance.”

 

I was very grateful to Live Announce the Special Olympics for ESPN and ABC recently as well!

 

As far as video games go…You can hear me in the new World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth and I have several new games coming out soon that I cannot wait to announce!

 

For fun? I am also playing a Star Wars Role Playing Game (Age of Empires) with my fellow Star Wars Rebels actors on Freddie Prinze, Jr.’s YouTube channel, G.E.G.G. (Good Evening and Good Game)! We’ve done five episodes so far and we plan to play many more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpbRqZT7-tc

 

Q) What made you initially want to be a part of “Star Wars: Rebels?”

A) I have been a Star Wars fan since the first film was released, so I jumped at the chance to be a part of the franchise. I am deeply honored to play Hera!

 

Q) How was your character Hera Syndulla originally described to you?

 

A) Hera was described as an ace pilot with a lot of moxie, who is both nurturing and very skilled in combat. She is a strong female character, who leads the way for her group of Rebels with humor, tough love and respect.

 

Q) Was there a particular affectation or aspect to Hera that you added to her on your own?

 

A) My father is actually a pilot, so I was able pick his brain about various aspects of flight and the very spiritual role it plays in his life. It means everything to him to get that aerial perspective on the world. I tried to bring that knowledge to my performance of Hera in flight.

 

Q) Were you nervous at all about portraying someone from such an iconic series?

 

A) The scripts were so well written that I had the utmost faith the power of the words to guide me. Ultimately, I had so much fun that my nerves never got in the way! I think I was more excited than anything else. Dave Filoni made us all very comfortable, so we were able to grow and learn together as a group.

 

Q) Voice over is usually not a group activity; however, was there an opportunity for you to interact with costar Lupita Nyong’o?

 

A) No, unfortunately she recorded all of her scenes separately.  Her schedule was so packed with her many film opportunities! I wish I could have interacted with her! Maybe someday!?

 

Q) Fans of Star Wars can be quite vocal about character portrayals. What kind of feedback have you gotten on your portrayal of Hera?

 

A) So far so good! I’ve heard lots of positive feedback from parents, who are very happy that their daughters have discovered such a terrific role model in Hera.

 

Q) You voice a number of iconic female Marvel and DC comic characters. What does that mean to you?

 

A) I love comic books, so it has also been a huge honor to play characters like Wonder Woman, Black Widow and Poison Ivy.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite projects to have been a part of?

 

A) I enjoyed playing Mary Jane in “The Spectacular Spider-Man!” I just love how much Mary Jane empowers Peter Parker to become the hero he is destined to be. I also really loved working with Greg Weisman. His writing is always so amazing! I was thrilled to play Black Canary in Young Justice with Greg and I was grateful to be a part of his audiobook, Rain of the Ghosts, which you can hear now on @kfaiFMradio.

 

http://kfai.org/sound-affects-radio-playground/playlists/20180812

 

Q) You have also done on camera work as well from “Scrubs” to “Law & Order.” Do you have a preference for the type of work that you do?

 

A) I used to do lots of stand-up comedy and sketch comedy, so my preference is comedy.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan response you receive to your work?

 

A) Yes, I adore all my friends on social media. I feel very lucky to have connected with them. It was a blast to LIVE TWEET with my #StarWarsFamily, as we watched episodes of Rebelstogether! Glad we can continue to watch all the new Star Wars content that will soon be available. I know I am very excited to see Star Wars Resistance.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work that you do?

 

A) Thanks so much for all your interest and support! I look forward to announcing my new cartoons and video games for 2019. Follow me on Twitter @vanmarshall or Instagram @vanessamarshall1138 for the latest updates! More to follow! May the force be with you! xo