How would you describe The Clone Wars to someone who’s never seen it before?

The Clone Wars is a war between the
Republic forces and the Separatists that lasts for several years. In terms of timings, it comes after The Attack of the Clones but before Revenge of the Sith. It sort of connects the two films together.

What’s Anakin like?

In The Clone Wars, we get to see his more heroic side. He is a great warrior and a star pilot. He’s also “the chosen one” who is supposed to bring balance back to “the force”. He’s brave, he wants to do the right thing. He truly cares about his loved ones and would do anything for them. Anakin is also brash and a little cocky, though. This will eventually fuel his fall to the dark side, as Darth Vader.

Are you anything like Anakin?

I think all of us can relate to Anakin in some ways. Most of us want to do the right thing and be the hero. But we also all have faults, just like Anakin.

In what ways do you think you’d make a good Jedi?

If I had the powers that a Jedi had, I would most definitely want to use them for good and to help other people. I’d maybe use the Jedi mind-control so shops would lower their prices!

Have they used any of your mannerisms in the animated Anakin?

Yes, definitely. They actually video record us every now and then, so that the animators can watch our movements as we deliver the lines, and incorporate it into the characters.

What are the best things about doing voice over work? 

Going to work in pyjamas is definitely a perk. You don’t have to worry about hitting your marks, doing hair and make-up or looking stupid on camera. You can completely throw yourself into this imaginary world and become a character.

Were you a big Star Wars fan
growing up?

I had seen some pieces of the films, but when I booked the job, I obviously did a lot of research and watched all the films. I learned as much as I could about the Star Wars universe. I like Anakin’s character in The Revenge of the Sith film, because it’s all about his fall to the dark side, and how he changes to Darth Vader. Aside from that, I’m a fan of Han Solo and I like Return of the Jedi a lot.

Is it true that when you got the role of Anakin it was so top secret that you couldn’t even tell your mum?

Yes. Lucasfilm is very secretive with everything, so I only found out I would be playing Anakin Skywalker after I had auditioned! I had no idea that the show would be so huge around the world and have all kinds of toys and games. It’s really massive worldwide and it’s incredible being along for the ride.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

No, not at all. I caught the acting bug after doing some background work on a movie in Atlanta. I started taking a few classes there before eventually packing what I had in my car and driving out to Los Angeles to start a new life.

What have you got coming up in
the future?

I just wrapped up season two of 90210 and season three begins mid-July. I’m also about to start on a film that I can’t really say much about. I have a film, The Roommate, that I think is going to be released in the US in 2011 and of course I hope Star Wars The Clone Wars will go on for several seasons!

Check out The Star Wars Clone Wars on The Cartoon Network, weekdays at 5.30pm.