Quinton Flynn Interview - Raiden
This is an exclusive interview conducted by MGS:TUS, with the famed voice actor Quinton Flynn. He voiced the character Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 2.
MGS:TUS: First of all, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to do this interview for us!
Quinton Flynn: It's my pleasure. Thanks for your interest.
MGS:TUS: For those readers who don't know you, tell us a little about yourself -- How old are you?
Quinton Flynn: How old do you want me to be?
MGS:TUS: Where are you from?
Quinton Flynn: I was born in St. Luke's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. After living in Cleveland Heights until the age of 3, my parents moved our family to an eastern suburb called Mayfield Village. I was schooled grades K through 12 there, before attending college at Bowling Green State University and Kent State University. I graduated from the latter, Cum laude. I later moved to Los Angeles, California, where I currently reside.
MGS:TUS: What are some of the past projects you've worked on?
Quinton Flynn: I replaced Nathan Lane as the voice of TIMON in TV's TIMON & PUMBAA for 40 episodes while he was busy doing some films. I also voiced JONNY in THE REAL ADVENTURES OF JONNY QUEST for 26 episodes in season 2. Early on in my animation career I replaced Brian Austin Green as the voice of JOHNNY STORM - THE HUMAN TORCH in THE FANTASTIC FOUR! That was a lot of fun. We had a great cast, terrific guests and I had the pleasure of spending some time with MARVEL creator Stan Lee. I was also a regular in the short lived Sci-fi adventure, XYBER 9, as the voice of the semi-heroic, swaggering, cocksure, MICK. In addition I've guested on many other shows including: ANIMANIACS, JACKIE CHAN, TEEN TITANS, SAMAURAI JACK, GRIM AND EVIL, THE ADVENTURES OF BILLY AND MANDY, HEY ARNOLD, SPIDERMAN, WOODY WOODPECKER, ANGRY BEAVERS, etc. I'm currently working on a new series for NICKELODEON called, MY LIFE AS A TEENAGE ROBOT. This will air in the fall. I play the nebbishy, SHELDON and the arrogant, DON PRIMA. In both of these characters, plus a plethora of others, my attention revolves around JENNY, the TEENAGE ROBOT. I've also done about 20 video games or so, some television and recently completed playing Beatle Paul McCartney in two unrelated movies. One is a TURTLES Biopic written by lead singer, Howard Kaylan, entitled, MY DINNER WITH JIMI, while the other is a parody I CO-wrote and associate produced with Dave Kessler called, A HARD DAY'S DAY - A Day In The Life of a Beatles Tribute Band. You can see A HARD DAY'S DAY by going to our website and clicking on the IFILM icon and link above the band photo. Just go to: www.aharddaysday.com
MGS:TUS: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Quinton Flynn: Music, movies, pop-culture memorabilia, bowling, answering e-mail questionnaires (ha, ha). The truth is, my hobbies and interests seem to crossover into my career. They're often interwoven in that everything I love to do, I get to do quite often when I'm working or being creative. I enjoy singing and song writing, live performance, working on new impressions, making others laugh and entertaining in general. When Robbie Rist and I hit the stage as fictional brothers, Mitchell and Winston Snozzberry in our act THE SNOZZBERRIES, there's no telling what will come out of our mouths during a comedic/musical performance reminiscent of The Smothers Brothers. I have to admit to being a big BEATLES fanatic and have quite a collection of all things related. The old Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce SHERLOCK HOLMES movies give me great pleasure, as do any films with Gene Wilder, Jerry Lewis or Steve Martin in them. I'm a rabid Saturday Night Live fan, from the beginning to present, I enjoy listening to old National Lampoon Radio Hour bits and on occasion, watching an old episode of the 60's British TV show, THE AVENGERS. I also love my Irish heritage and indulge in the culture's beautiful sights and sounds, when time permits. The people, the music, the literature and the land all call to me. Growing up in Cleveland, The Rock-n-Roll Capital, I acquired a taste for attending rock concerts that continues to this day. Cleveland also fed me culturally through its world famous orchestra, extraordinary museums, plays, and sports! I remain a true Cleveland fan to this day.
MGS:TUS: How did you get the part for MGS2?
Quinton Flynn: I auditioned for the producers and director, Kris Zimmerman.
MGS:TUS: Have you ever played the game yourself?
Quinton Flynn: Absolutely. It rocks!
MGS:TUS: What were your thoughts on the game?
Quinton Flynn: I believe it's the closest thing you can get to having a virtual interactive film experience in the gaming world. It's visually stunning, the performances are exceptional and the action is awesome!
MGS:TUS: Who was your favorite character, other than Raiden?
Quinton Flynn: That would have to be David Hayter as Snake!
MGS:TUS: Could you compare yourself to your character, Raiden, in any ways?
Quinton Flynn: Sure. I have found myself at a loss many times in my life in terms of place, space or identity. Questioning one's sense of self or place in this world, real or imagined, is all a part of life's experience. Knowing what to do or where to go can oftentimes be confusing. Raiden's internal struggle is the hero's journey. We are all fed and bred by others, but ultimately, we come face to face with ourselves and in time must make our own decisions and find our own way. Each one of us is a hero. Each one of us has a path. Where does that path lead? More will be revealed
MGS:TUS: How would you describe the experience of doing the voice over work for MGS2?
Quinton Flynn: I loved it! It was like radio theatre in that we had to breathe life into our characters and the scripts to create a world of sight and sound for you the player to explore. Acting in the voice over medium, is some of the purest, most challenging and rewarding work an actor will ever have the pleasure of doing. It's also a ton of fun!
MGS:TUS: What was it like working with Mr. Kojima, and the rest of the cast?
Quinton Flynn: It was outstanding! I worked with some of the best actors in business and would do it again in a heartbeat. Mr. K was great and Kris Zimmerman is one of the best directors I know.
MGS:TUS: Alright, now for the question that's on everybody's mind: Have you been contacted about doing any work on the up coming Metal Gear Solid 3?
Quinton Flynn: I haven't heard a thing. Honestly. I would tell you if I did. Unless I was sworn to secrecy or contracted otherwise, but that hasn't happened. My guess would be that if a MGS3 is happening, it's going to take awhile before they're ready to record the actors. That's only a guess.
MGS:TUS: Do you have any other future projects in the works?
Quinton Flynn: Yes. As I mentioned earlier I'm currently working on the fall release of the animated, MY LIFE AS A TEENAGE ROBOT: Starring Janice Kawaye, Audrey Wasilewski, Chad Doreck, Candi Milo and many other fantastic guests. I've recently finished a number of radio and TV commercials, some video games and I'm currently working on a cartoon pitch of my own with my comedic band mate, Robbie Rist, for our dynamic duo, THE SNOZZBERRIES.
MGS:TUS: Do you think Metal Gear Solid series would make a good film? And who would you cast for the role of Raiden?
Quinton Flynn: Yes, I think it would make an outstanding film. If it was done CGI or some hybrid animation form, I would cast me! If we're talking about live action, as much as I would like to do it, I suppose the role might go to someone like Matt Damon, Ewan McGreggor, Jude Law, Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt, depending on age demographic. Personally, even though he may be considered too old for the role, I think Keifer Sutherland would kick ass!
MGS:TUS: How long did it take to finish all the voice work for the Raiden character?
Quinton Flynn: I worked a number of weeks to complete all of my work, with some down time in between.
MGS:TUS: After doing the voice for Raiden there has been some criticism towards the character because of the drastic replacement between a gruff, arrogant Snake and the more sensitive Raiden. Does this criticism bother you?
Quinton Flynn: On one hand, yes, because I'm sensitive. On the other, no, because I'm gruff and arrogant. All kidding aside, everybody's a critic and everybody has opinions. I don't think everyone will like everything, but hopefully, everyone will like something. Just the fact that this series has such a huge fan base and general interest is fascinating to me. All I can say is that I'm giving 110% in my commitment to my work and my role so that anyone who plays this game can have the best experience possible. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team and I'm grateful for having had the opportunity to participate and make a difference. It's like the old saying, "Good Press, bad Press, it doesn't matter as long as they're talking about you."
MGS:TUS: Again Quinton, thanks for taking the time to do this interview -- are there any closing comments you would like to add?
Quinton Flynn: I would just like to thank you for your interest. I'm truly honored. Ciao for now, Quinton!
-- Interview by Brian Barnes-Spencer, 4.7.2003
