“The Walking Dead” is not the only comic book series Robert Kirkman created that saw massive popularity before it was adapted into television. Coming to Amazon Prime this week is “Invincible.” “Invincible” had a long run from 2003 until the final issue in 2018. In 2019, it was announced that the comic book series would be adapted into an animated television series.
Joining me to talk about Invincible, is Steven Yeun, JK Simmons, Gillian Jacobs, Zazie Beetz, and creator Robert Kirkman. They go over the character development of their characters and what everyone will expect before the series make their debut on the Amazon platform. Also, Robert Kirkman provides a small update to the upcoming Rick Grimes The Walking Dead film.
Robert Kirkman
The Knockturnal: What is the thought process of developing Mark Grayson’s character development from the Invincible Comic to the animated series?
RK: “I think because we have the full length of the comic book series to look at, we’re able to put a little extra care in crafting Mark’s character and working with Steven Yeun to handle the evolution he is going through in this series. Having that road map set in place and being able to come back to early times of the character and put some more things that will pay off as we move forward. We are going to come in with a well-more rounded character. And possibly experiences more growth as the series progresses. This show is a second draft for me. And because of that, there’s going to be a lot of improvement in story aspects and Mark’s character is one of them.
The Knockturnal: The Walking Dead fans are eager to know if there is an update to the untitled Rick Grimes movies?
RK: “I don’t have an update on the Rick Grimes movies. I wish I did. The pandemic has allowed us to spend more time on the script which we are excited about since it is almost finished. We will be bringing it to people as soon as we possibly can. But I love working with Andrew Lincoln and it is great to be working with him again.”
Steven Yeun and JK Simmons
The Knockturnal: How much time have you had to read Invincible before taking on your character roles and how did you and JK Simmons develop that father/son bond for your characters?
SY: “I read the comic! I am a big fan of Robert’s work and while I was on The Walking Dead, I poured through all of his stuff. That was really enjoyable to be able to make this and be part of this. Working with JK is so cool. It is voiceover so it is not the same dynamic. Sometimes you’re there recording solo. Sometimes you are there knocking things down by yourself. And sometimes they bring us both in the room to do them together. There are key moments and scenes that I got to share the room with JK and really go for it. That is my privilege and it’s really fun to do that. I had a great time!”
JK: “I was much less familiar with Invincible. Having that universe open up to me when they approached me and asked me to do it was mind-blowing. Obviously, I’ve done a fair amount of voice work for animation. But this was a whole other level and I found it really intriguing in a number of ways. A lot of the times you are in the booth by yourself. But sometimes to be able to do those scenes with the wonderful actors is a bonus.”
Gillian Jacobs/Zazie Beetz
The Knockturnal: How long did it take for the both of you to develop the voice and characteristics of Amber Bennett and Atom Eve?
GJ (Atom Eve): “Initially, because I am playing a high school student and I am not in high school, we tried pitching my voice higher, but I could not sustain that. So it wind up being my voice.”
ZB (Amber Bennett): “For me, my character isn’t a superhero character. I wanted to keep her grounded and keep her real. I also think I wanted her to sound a little more ‘high schooly’ but what does a high schooler sound like? So, I kept her grounded which I think it kept her sounding like me. But I know for you Gillian, I think you had to do more of this than I did with the effort of sounds.”
GJ (Atom Eve): “Standing alone in a room pretending to punch, kick, and fly while people stare at you from the other side of the glass window is a unique experience”