Every time we've ever put a sugar cube in a cup of coffee we've heard something in the back of our minds. We've heard the voice of Frank Welker, as Soundwave, talking about Energon Cubes.
Welker, who isn't just the voice of Soundwave, but the voice of everyone ever, is a titan of nerd culture. We had the opportunity to send him a few questions via email (cause the phone would melt if it got to hear his awesome voice) now that Shout! Factory is releasing the original Transformers shows in season collected boxed sets. We also spoke about his lengthy movie career and his involvement in this summer's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Jordan Hoffman: The Generation 1 Transformers collections are being re released to DVD. Have you kicked back lately and watched any of this stuff? What memories does it bring back for you?
Frank Welker: I just received a wonderful goodie package from my friends at "Shout" and it looks awesome. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to watch any yet, but in the past I watched some scenes from shows on AOL and really got a kick out of them.
It brings back good memories, I would love to wind back the "way back machine" and go to a "Transformers" session in the A.M. Hey, if enough fans let Hasbro know they would desire to see the G1 guys back in action. . . I can tell you the deceptions will be there!!!
Jordan Hoffman: Of all the Transformers you've given voice to who remains the closest to your heart? Blades, Buzzsaw, Chromedome, Frenzy, Galvatron, Groove, Jazz (Commercials only), Laserbeak, Megatron, Mirage, Mixmaster, Ratbat, Ravage, Rumble, Sharkticon, Skywarp, Sludge, Soundwave, Superion, Sweep, Trailbreaker?
Frank Welker: Did I do all those? Are you just funning me???? Actually, I loved doing "Megs" he was so wonderfully evil and I was very happy with the voice. Soundwave is just plain fun to do...that voice can rattle windows in a large studio and I don't have to yell!!!! My outside fave is Sludge...dumb, slow and goofy, a little too close to my own personality though.
Jordan Hoffman: You are the voice of DEVASTATOR in the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen film whose one line is simply the uttering of his own name - what direction (if any) did you receive for that pivotal fanboy moment of the film?
Frank Welker: Louder!
Jordan Hoffman: How did it feel to know two generations of Transformers fans were ready to tar and feather Michael Bay after learning you would not be the voice of Megatron in the original film?
Frank Welker: It is amazing how wonderful and loyal the fans have been to us "Transformer" actors...I know Peter Cullen and I have both talked about this at length. I am happy the fans felt it was important. G1 "Megs" is very special to me.
Jordan Hoffman: We got to hear you again as Soundwave in the new one - and the effects made it sound CLOSE to the original Soundwave - were you disappointed Bay decided not to go that last mile and put the final audio effect spin on it?
Frank Welker: I understand the fans were a bit disappointed that the original sound effect for Soundwave wasn't in there. I think the concern was making sure the audience could understand Soundwave's dialog.
Jordan Hoffman: With the wave of 80s nostalgia films, do you think the time is right for a return of Gremlins? Would you be willing to lend your talents if Gremlins 3 became a reality?
Frank Welker: What time do I start???? I would be there in a heartbeat. I worked with my friend Howie Mandel and director Joe Dante. We had so much fun but we worked very hard. Joe loved the fact that we ad libbed and added a lot of stuff to these characters. I remember Joe asked me to do the melting scene with Stripe in the water fountain. So I did it all with my mouth and sounds I created like the bubbles etc. He loved it all...but then said..."Hey, just for the heck of it try it while drinking water.” I gagged and nearly ruined the studio carpeting I was so close to tossing my cookies and blacking out from choking...and of course Howie, and Joe laughed all through my take....little did I know these two goof balls set me up!!!!
Jordan Hoffman: One of your credits include the vocal effects for the cult game series Monster Hunter. Did you work with the Japanese developers or was this strictly for the US release?
Frank Welker: You know I am not sure if I did this project. This may be misinformation....but if you liked it, I am pretty sure that was me...if you didn't like it was one of those autobots!!!! Seriously, I don't think I am in that project.
Jordan Hoffman: Lastly - and be honest - could you follow the plot of Revenge of the Fallen?
Frank Welker: Hey, I never read the script and I actually haven't seen the feature yet. But I can tell you one thing with great certainty....Soundwave didn't have nearly enough lines!!!!
