Jonathan Freeman, the voice actor behind Hawks, the player character in Bit Reactor's Star Wars Zero Company, shared insights into his performance, revealing how his natural Texas accent influenced the character and how the game's writing facilitated a deep connection.
Freeman explained that his drawl often surfaces when he feels particularly connected to a role, and he felt this was a natural fit for Hawks' weathered persona. "Sometimes when I'm very comfortable in the skin of the character I'm playing, [my Texas accent] kind of seeps out," Freeman told Polygon. He noted that while Hawks isn't explicitly from Texas, the accent adds a unique layer to the character, even when playing as different species like a Twi'lek or Mirialan.
He described an immediate connection to Hawks, a former Republic captain who leaves the service after being scapegoated to form the mercenary group Zero Company. "It's very rare. You can go through hundreds of auditions and then one will come along on a cellular level you just sort of get," Freeman said. He identified Hawks' passion and empathy as key traits that resonated with him, highlighting the character's internal conflict between a desire to disengage and an innate drive to help others.
The game's script played a crucial role in shaping Freeman's performance. During a scene where Hawks is infected, Freeman improvised Star Wars-themed colloquialisms inspired by Texan sayings, which were then developed by the writers into unique lines like, "It feels like the inside of a mynock’s suckhole, Pops." This collaborative process, he said, allowed for creative freedom and contributed to memorable dialogue.
Freeman also contrasted his performance with that of Erica Luttrell, who voices the female counterpart to Hawks. While both characters share the same script, their distinct vocal performances create different interpretations. "There's a bit more stank on her performance," Freeman observed. "She's a bit more of an ass kicker." He believes these variations enhance the game's replayability, making it feel like players are experiencing two distinct individuals.
The actor recounted a humorous anecdote from the set where a joke, "Nice ass," delivered by Hawks after a mission, led to a celebratory cake at the wrap party with the inscription "Nice shot, nice work, nice ass." This incident, he felt, encapsulated the positive and collaborative atmosphere on set.
Freeman emphasized that the team aimed to explore the experiences of ordinary individuals within the vast Star Wars galaxy, focusing on how larger galactic events, like Order 66, impact everyday people. "Hawks isn't a Jedi. Hawks isn't special. He's just a dude who was in the service, who got screwed over, and now is just trying to eke out a living," Freeman explained. He feels the game successfully conveys the importance of relationships, community, and resilience in the face of larger conflicts.
Star Wars Zero Company is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. It has received a positive reception, with Freeman noting the audience's appreciation for the game's narrative and thematic intentions.