MAURY STERLING TALKS "BATMAN: HUSH" AND MORE (VIDEO)
Previously, on Retro, Cool, Nerd- I have spent the last few weeks coming down of the high that the world knows as San Diego Comic Con 2019. I was there, once again, on assignment from Bleeding Cool, and I had the chance to chat with the cast and crew of Batman: Hush. Now that Bleeding Cool has had some time to rake in all the traffic and clicks, I thought I might post my stories here.
I take you back to a crisp Friday evening in July. SDCC 2019 is really in full swing now, and we are minutes away from the world premiere of Batman: Hush. The press room was chocked with journalists waiting to chat with the cast of WB Animation’s take on one of the Dark Knight’’s defining stories. Every fan knows the tale of (SPOILERS*) Bruce’s childhood friend bent on revenge, but DC’s animated take promises something more. With his head spinning with delight from his first SDCC, Maury Sterling (Homeland, Smokin’ Aces) parks it in front of my microphone to explain what we can expect from his character, Thomas Elliot. Based on the comic of the same name, Sterling sits down to discuss some of the differences the film will feature.
Who is Hush? Shhh.
This is not Maury’s first time as a DC animated villain, eagle eared fans will recognize bad guy Paris France, Batgirl’s friend from The Killing Joke. At the table we ask him to tell us about finding the voice for his character. Did he use any imagery from the 2002 masterpiece to find his voice?
"Yeah, all of that is information. In any kind of voice over stuff. I remember a guy, when I first started, (who said) 'If you can get an image, grab it.' Because you, just by shifting your position (Sterling sits up straight in his chair to illustrate) ...if you stand that way it will change your voice."
He continues:
"Just the name- Hush. does a lot of work for you. It’s just like, right. What is someone who is called Hush? It’s scary, It’s quiet, it doesn’t have to try hard. All those things...that was really informative in terms of starting to feel who the character was. It’s just a frightening name."
I asked Sterling his thoughts on the new HUSH designs?
"I’m in an interview so I’m trying to sound good and all that stuff, but I ’m floored, I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe I ‘m getting to be a part of this. I’m sitting here with you guys. ..and huge responsibility to the fans, it’s just so cool. It’s so freakin’ cool.
As I mentioned, most fans know Thomas Elliot, a character that pretty much has the same upbringing as Bruce Wayne. Rich guy, wealthy family, wants for nothing. What did you bring to that role?
In how we played it, I actually didn't do a lot of that. I knew a little bit of backstory, not as much as I know now. Which I think I am glad about. What I tried to do with Thomas Elliot was, almost in a way include none of that. Because, then he just comes across as,... just a really nice guy. Who genuinely cares for Bruce, with no history, no nastiness, no darkness … It’s that Deniro thing. The audience will dress you up. The audience knows the history, and the audience knows all the darkness, you don’t have to. If there is any inkling
If you have yet to view Batman: Hush (and shame on you) please be careful with the video offered below. It may be slightly SPOILERY, so “Fair the be warned, sez I.” Maury also talks about how familiar he was with the original material, how he is pretty sure now one will see the reveal of Hush coming, what he thought of his first few takes in the booth for Batman: Hush , what other DC characters he is interested in playing, his favorite voice actor and much, much more. Push the play button little buddy!
