Erika Hardison interviews Nick Wolfhard, voice actor on The Last Kids on Earth…
Netflix has the knack for bringing life into their animated shows and The Last Kids on Earth is no exception. The Netflix series which is based on the graphic novel by Max Brailler is a funny, post-apocalyptic, horror story about a group of neighborhood kids who the last survivors of an outer world zombie and monster invasion. Nick Wolfhard who voices Jack Sullivan, the leading character who goes from local nerd to leader, talks to Flickering Myth about what it’s like to fight zombies and monsters and if he’d actually survive the apocalypse in real life. Wolfhard isn’t new to voice acting either. He’s also been in My Little Pony, BeyBlade Burst and World Trigger.
FM: How hard do you think it is to present apocalyptic stories that are suitable for kids?
NW: Very hard, which is why I think it’s crazy that Max Brallier was able to make a series like this and not have it be completely tragedy filled When tragedy or dramatic moments does happen though, you can feel it due to the depth of the characters, they’ve got layers, just like onions (and ogres).
FM: You voice the character of Jack Sullivan and he’s such a leader, how did you prepare for his character and did you need to channel your younger self?
NW: The thing about Jack is that, more than anything, he wants to prove that he can step up to the plate, be a leader, and protect his friends if worst comes to worst. I’d say Jack is definitely the least experienced at that sort of thing early on, which is why he trains that much harder to prove himself. Jack has goals which he wants to work towards which is just like me both as my younger self and who I am as a person now, but you need effort and passion to get it done.
FM: What should we expect in this season?
NW: Tons of stuff, character development for the main cast, twists and turns, drama, comedy, awesome action with tons of varied monster designs, and even Mark Hamill!!!
FM: Do you think you could survive a zombie and monster apocalypse?
NW: I’d be the first to die.
FM: For people who haven’t had the pleasure of reading the graphic novel, how do you explain The Last Kids on Earth to them?
NW: It’s a series about four kids fighting to survive against zombies, interdimensional monsters, and sometimes even their inner demons, both figuratively and literally. It’s also filled to the brim with comedy and some homages to horror films here and there.
FM: Did you read the graphic novel before or after you got the part? What are some of the things you feel are hard to translate through animation that is in the graphic novel?
NW: I ended up reading the graphic novel after I got the part. I think by far the most difficult thing to translate is all the tiny details regarding the gang’s surroundings, but in terms of monsters, the show does its absolute best to replicate all the tiny details in terms of Jack giving them descriptions as well as a visual representation.
FM: What is your favorite The Last Kids on Earth episode?
NW: My favorite episodes are the ones focusing on June’s past, as well as the finale, to find out why you’ll just have to watch ‘em yourself.
FM: In the previous The Last Kids on Earth, we saw the surviving kids teaming up with the neighborhood bully, will there be any surprises like that in the upcoming series?
NW: Yes, that but increased tenfold in terms of character development and urgency.
FM: Besides your character, who is your favorite character on the show?
NW: Dirk and Skaelka for sure, Skaelka is a new character and is very much a fish out of water warrior who specializes in Neanderthal-esque lingo. Catherine O’Hara voices her which is awesome, I have yet to actually hear her as Skaelka so I’m excited about that.
FM: Do you read graphic novels and comics, if so what genres do you prefer to read?
NW: If I’m ever reading graphic novels or comics, it’s almost always manga. I’m currently reading through Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, One Piece and Berserk. My favorite graphic novel series would definitely have to be Bone by Jeff Smith, Netflix is also making an animated series of Bone with Jeff Smith at the helm which I’m very hyped to watch.
FM: Why do you think adults enjoy The Last Kids on Earth just as much as kids?
Nw: I think adults can very much appreciate the comedy, character drama, and homages to films they grew up watching. The action is also very well made and honestly the characters are just so dang likeable.
SEE ALSO: Exclusive Interview – Scott Peterson, Showrunner for The Last Kids on Earth
Many thanks to Nick Wolfhard for taking the time for this interview.
Erika Hardison
