Vic Michaelis Discusses Their Breakout Role in Star Wars Zero Company
Dropout star Vic Michaelis brings improv experience to their first video game performance.
1From Fan to Performer
Vic Michaelis, a prominent star on the Dropout platform, has transitioned from a lifelong Star Wars fan to a key contributor within the franchise. Known for their comfort-watching the prequel trilogy, Michaelis recently voiced Runa Blask in the video game Star Wars Zero Company, marking their first professional foray into gaming.
2Improv Roots Influence Performance
While Michaelis is deeply rooted in the world of improv comedy, they relied heavily on the game's established script for Runa Blask. The actor noted that their background in preparation helped them deliver lines effectively, even though the character's witty dialogue and frequent use of the word wizard were pre-written by writers.
3Character Dynamics and Reception
Fans have quickly embraced Runa Blask, often describing her with a mix of affection and frustration, specifically joking about wanting to throw her out a window. Michaelis resonates with this sentiment, describing the character as having big sister vibes, which aligns with the intended personality traits developed during the production process.
4Gameplay Mechanics and Mortality
Despite the game featuring a permadeath system for its various operators, Runa Blask remains safe from such fates. Because she serves as an advisor and does not participate in combat missions, she never leaves The Den, the company's headquarters, ensuring her survival regardless of the player's performance during dangerous tactical missions.
5Runa's Backstory and Motivations
Before joining the mercenary group, Runa operated as a freelance financial fixer for elite galactic families and corporations. She is driven by a desire for significant wealth, famously telling Captain Hawks that she dreams of buying a moon to operate a resort, contrasting with her current role within the mercenary company.
6Michaelis's Humble Galactic Aspirations
In contrast to Runa's grand financial ambitions, Michaelis envisions a much quieter life if they lived in the Star Wars universe. The actor expressed a desire to be a small business owner, specifically running a bookstore that hosts comedy nights, which they believe would make for a compelling and humorous television series.
7Potential for New Storytelling
Michaelis suggests that a series focused on a shop owner navigating interplanetary politics and city ordinances to host a comedy night could work well. Drawing inspiration from existing animated sitcoms in other franchises, they argue that Star Wars has room for smaller, character-driven stories that focus on everyday life rather than war.
8Impact of Creative Casting
The team at Bit Reactor specifically sought out Michaelis due to their previous work on Dropout, valuing their comedic timing and performance style. This collaboration highlights how developers are increasingly looking toward established improv and comedy talent to bring depth and personality to characters in modern, narrative-heavy video game experiences.
Original article: Polygon — Vic Michaelis Discusses Their Breakout Role in Star Wars Zero Company