Ben Schwartz, the hilarious actor and voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, chats about his latest movie and dives into the world of comedy. They reminisce about classic video games, from Sonic to Mario, and share laugh-out-loud moments from the Netflix Roast involving a star-studded lineup. The conversation explores the evolution of comedy, personal anecdotes about iconic comedians, and the dynamics of stand-up versus improv. Expect humorous reflections on life, laughter, and the joys of holiday shopping!
Ben Schwartz shares his excitement about promoting 'Sonic 3', reflecting on the character's legacy and impact in gaming culture.
During the discussion on the 'Roasting the Year 2024' event, Schwartz notes the challenges of live performances and unexpected complications that arise.
Schwartz candidly addresses the difficulty comedians face in celebrating successes, often overshadowed by the pressure of future performances.
Deep dives
Promoting Sonic 3
Ben Schwartz discusses his excitement about promoting 'Sonic 3,' reflecting on the evolution of the Sonic franchise. He shares his childhood experiences with Sonic, highlighting the familiar rivalry dynamics in gaming, especially as he played as Tails, the sidekick. Schwartz notes how it’s somewhat surprising that it took so long for a successful Sonic movie to materialize, given the character's iconic status. His enthusiasm for the movie showcases his passion and commitment to the character and the project.
Roasting the Year
In discussing the recent 'Roasting the Year 2024' event, Schwartz admits that the experience was underwhelming and may not even be the best roast of the year. He recounts a bit that involved the cast pretending they were about to get canceled, which initially received applause, but complications during the performance diminished its effectiveness. The humorous moment came when they attempted to use Simon Rex's phone after forgetting to bring one of their own, demonstrating the spontaneity and unpredictability of live performances. Schwartz reflects on the challenges comedians face and how every performance carries the weight of expectations.
The Perils of Comedy Success
Throughout the conversation, Schwartz expresses a common struggle among comedians: the difficulty of celebrating one’s successes. He explains that moments of achievement often feel overshadowed by the anxiety of upcoming performances and the pressure to continuously create new material. This mindset can prevent comedians from fully enjoying their victories, as the focus shifts to what comes next rather than appreciating the present. Schwartz's candidness shines a light on the internal struggles that many in the comedy world grapple with after achieving their dreams.
Struggles of a Younger Brother
Schwartz recalls being the younger brother and often relegated to the role of Tails in video games, which led him to feel sidelined in his childhood gaming experiences. He connects this dynamic to his comedy career, describing how he has often supported others in their successes while navigating his path. The sentiment resonates with anyone who has felt overshadowed or less recognized, especially in competitive environments. He humorously reflects on how his experiences have shaped his perspective on teamwork and collaboration in both gaming and comedy.
Improv vs. Stand-Up
Discussing the differences between improv and stand-up, Schwartz emphasizes the unique pressure of stand-up performances as compared to the collaborative nature of improv. While stand-ups often bear the brunt of audience reactions alone, comedians in improv enjoy the shared experience of failing and succeeding together. Schwartz highlights how it fosters a supportive environment, especially for beginners who might struggle on solo stages. This reflection illustrates the core of performance art and how collaboration can often provide a safety net that solo acts do not.
Sonic's Evolution and Career Reflections
As the conversation meanders through gaming and comedy, Schwartz considers the growth of both his career and the Sonic franchise, acknowledging the character's cultural impact. He notes that the characters, from his childhood days in video games to major Hollywood productions, have made a significant transition alongside him. Reflecting on his early ambitions and experiences, Schwartz expresses gratitude for where he stands today within the industry. The discussions around Sonic and comedy serve as a backdrop to explore themes of growth, identity, and the nuances of creative aspirations.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3: In theaters now, a great dose of nostalgic fun with some great comedy moments. Get some tickets and enjoy the holidays with family.
Ben Schwartz (voice of Sonic) joins us tonight, we talk about the Netflix Roast of 2024 with Jeff Ross, Tim Dillon, Adam Ray, Ms. Pat, Hannah Berner and more. Deep dive into comedy, great recs from Ben and just a fun episode hanging with friends. Support the show and sign up for a $1 per month trial of Shopify at https://www.shopify.com/drunk
