Who Voices McCree in Overwatch?
Overwatch, the popular team-based first-person shooter, has a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personality, backstory, and abilities. Among these characters is Jesse McCree, the outlaw-turned- bounty hunter who wields the twin handguns, "Peacekeeper" and "Gunslinger." McCree is one of the most recognizable heroes in the game, known for his rugged charm, wit, and expertise with firearms. But have you ever wondered who brings McCree to life? Johan Öberg, a Swedish voice actor, takes on the role of McCree, injecting his personality into the character with each spoken line.
McCree’s Origins and Personality
McCree was a member of the notorious McCree gang, known for their robberies and heists. However, he broke away from his family’s tradition of lawlessness and became a bounty hunter, using his skills to bring justice to the bad guys. [1] As a character, McCree is charming, sarcastic, and quick-witted, with a mischievous streak. His sharp tongue and cowboy charm make him a fan favorite among players. But beyond his flashy exterior, McCree is deeply flawed, haunted by his past mistakes and struggles with his own morality.
Who Is Johan Öberg?
So, who is the voice behind McCree’s gravelly tone and rugged persona? Johan Öberg, a 38-year-old Swedish actor, is the mastermind behind McCree’s voice. Öberg, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, has a rich experience in the entertainment industry, with a background in both stage acting and voice-over work. Before joining Blizzard Entertainment, the studio behind Overwatch, Öberg worked on various projects, including voice roles in anime series and video games.
Johan Öberg’s Career
Before landing the role of McCree, Öberg worked on a number of voice-over projects, including:
- Anime series: Öberg voiced characters in several Japanese anime shows, such as "Black Clover" and "Hunter x Hunter".
- Video games: Öberg worked on several video games, including "Horizon Zero Dawn" and "Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End".
- Commercial voiceovers: Öberg lent his voice to several commercials, including advertisements for Procter & Gamble and Sony Ericsson.
Joining the Overwatch Team
Öberg was approached by Blizzard Entertainment to join the Overwatch team in 2015. The studio was impressed by his diverse vocal range and his ability to adapt to different characters. According to Öberg, the process of auditioning for McCree was intense, involving multiple recordings and auditions before the team finalized the decision. [2] After securing the role, Öberg threw himself into the character, immersing himself in McCree’s world and working closely with the Overwatch development team to ensure a spot-on performance.
Character Insights
So, what makes Öberg’s portrayal of McCree so memorable? Here are a few key insights:
• Laying the foundation: Öberg focused on creating a strong foundation for McCree’s voice, drawing from his experiences with cowboy culture and American West mythology.
• Capturing McCree’s swagger: Öberg aimed to capture McCree’s rugged charm, infusing the character with a sense of sarcasm and wit.
• Finding McCree’s emotional depth: Öberg delved deeper into McCree’s backstory and emotions, giving the character a rich emotional depth and making him a more complex, relatable hero.
What’s Next for McCree?
As Overwatch continues to grow and evolve, fans can expect McCree to remain a central character in the game. New updates and expansions are constantly being released, each offering fresh opportunities for McCree to shine. In addition to the game, Öberg is likely to continue his work in the voice-over industry, taking on new projects and further expanding his portfolio.
Conclusion
Johan Öberg’s voice acting expertise and dedication to the role have made him the perfect fit for Jesse McCree, one of Overwatch’s most beloved heroes. His contributions to the game have been immense, bringing depth and complexity to a character who might have otherwise been one-dimensional. [3] With McCree at the forefront, the possibilities are endless, and fans of Overwatch can look forward to more thrilling adventures with the outlaw-turned-bounty hunter.