User blog:Porterfield/George Newbern Discusses New Film - Superman vs. The Elite

Actor George Newbern, who provided the voice for Superman/Clark Kent in the animated series Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, The Batman, and a slew of animated films, is reprising his role as the Man of Steel for the upcoming film Superman vs. The Elite (straight to DVD or digital download on June 12th). The PG-13 film pits George's Superman against The Elite, a group of powerful crusaders led by Manchester Black who have no problem getting their hands dirty to stop villainy. The public adores them, but their lack of ethics upsets our beloved hero, so an epic battle is staged (and televised) on Jupiter.

Following the final recording session for the film, Warner Home Video had a chat brief chat with George Newbern:

Interview
Where do you start as an actor when trying to create a voice for Superman?

I think you watch an actor like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or It’s a Wonderful Life, and you try to find the humanity of an everyman like that. When I think of an All-American hero, I think of an actor in a role like that. And that’s what Superman really is – an American hero. Super powers are just ancillary. It’s that character, with all those principles and understanding, that’s who he is right there.

Are there any specific characteristics you believe are essential to the voice?

I think I tried to portray a sense of trust and power and charisma for Superman. I think that’s what we believe Superman is.

'''You had a guest role on Private Practice opposite Tim Daly, the actor you replaced as Superman for the Justice League animated series. Did the commonality come up for discussion while you were on set?'''

We laughed about it. I said something like “Thanks for being busy,” and he asked if I was having fun with it. We didn’t really compare notes … there was no secret handshake or anything. But there was an acknowledgment that we’re in an exclusive club. Aside from Superman, do you have a favorite DC Comics character?

I like Flash a lot. He cracks me up. And always has something to say. Plus Michael Rosenbaum is hysterical. But all of those actors on Justice League were terrific – a really great group of people. We had fun with the core cast in the old days. Susan (Eisenberg) and Michael and Carl (Lumbly) and the gang. Then we had these rotating guest casts as the seasons went on, and it was insane to see who would come through the door of the booth. It was guys like John Rhys-Davies, Ed Asner, Powers Boothe, Mark Hamill. There were so many great actors. It was funny because I’d go to work on a TV series and I’d look at one of the series regulars and immediately realize, “Oh, he did a role on Justice League!” So it was fun. It was a lot like doing a little reader’s play every week.

What value do you see for comic books in society today?

I see value in comic books, especially in terms of graphic art. It’s sort of old school and I think it gives people something tangible. Kids are reading things like e-books, and people are starting to forget that reading can be held in your hand and seen and appreciated. So there’s a tactile benefit to it. And the old style is a great way to tell a story. Things don’t have to be 3D or complicated. That’s where a comic book comes in – it’s a simple, 2D way to tell a story with great art and words. There’s a lot of value in that.

What are your children’s impressions of you voicing Superman?

Since I’ve been doing it so long, my two younger children, when they are asked, are quick to say, ‘My dad is Superman.” That’s the first thing they knew, the first thing they told the other kids at school. Forget about the other 93 things I’ve done. To them, the coolest thing I’ve ever done is to play Superman.