Vic Michaelis, known for their work on Dropout, has transitioned from a fan of Star Wars to a participant in the universe, voicing the character Runa Blask in Star Wars Zero Company. Michaelis shared that they found comfort in watching Attack of the Clones and had always been a fan of the prequel era.
This role marked Michaelis's first venture into video game acting, a prospect they found both exciting and daunting. The development team at Bit Reactor, however, was familiar with Michaelis's previous work, which contributed to their casting. Michaelis's background in improv comedy informed their performance, though the character's sharpest lines were already present in the script.
"All of my favorite lines that Runa had were written or pitched lines from the writers," Michaelis told Polygon. The character's frequent use of the word "wizard," a Star Wars colloquialism for "cool," became a notable aspect of Runa's dialogue. Michaelis joked about the sheer number of times the word was uttered.
Fans have quickly embraced Runa, drawn to her comedic timing and her dynamic with Captain Hawks. Michaelis noted the fan sentiment of wanting to "throw her out a window," finding it a relatable reaction that aligned with the character's intended portrayal as a "big sister."
Despite Star Wars Zero Company's permadeath mechanic for playable operators, Runa remains unaffected as she does not participate in combat missions and stays at the game's headquarters, The Den. Michaelis reflected on the player's emotional investment in their characters, even considering the possibility of being mourned by players if Runa were susceptible to permanent loss.
Runa's backstory positions her as a former freelance consultant and financial fixer for Separatist corporations, with aspirations of accumulating wealth to open a resort on a moon. In contrast, Michaelis expressed a desire for a more modest life in the Star Wars universe, envisioning themselves as a small business owner, perhaps running a bookstore that hosts comedy nights. Michaelis elaborated on a humorous scenario involving interplanetary politics and bureaucratic red tape hindering the bookshop's comedy events, suggesting a potential spin-off series.
