Decoding the Voice Behind Blue Whittaker: LEGO City Undercover’s Enigmatic Inmate

The voice behind the character of Blue Whittaker in LEGO City Undercover is provided by the incredibly talented Josh Robert Thompson. While the character’s demeanor and role within the game are a clear homage to Morgan Freeman’s character “Red” from The Shawshank Redemption, it’s Thompson who delivers the lines and breathes life into this memorable LEGO inmate.

Unmasking Josh Robert Thompson: More Than Just Blue Whittaker

Josh Robert Thompson is far from a one-trick pony. He’s a prolific voice actor, impressionist, and comedian whose talents span across various mediums, including video games, television, and film. He’s known for his remarkable ability to mimic a wide range of voices, most notably his spot-on impersonations of celebrities like Morgan Freeman (ironically!), Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robert De Niro.

Thompson’s versatility has landed him roles in numerous projects. He’s a frequent collaborator with Seth MacFarlane, lending his voice to characters in Family Guy and The Cleveland Show. He also served as the voice of Geoff Peterson, the robotic skeleton sidekick on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, showcasing his comedic timing and improvisational skills. His work extends beyond comedy, with voice roles in animated series like American Dad! and Robot Chicken, highlighting his range as a performer.

LEGO City Undercover: A Voice Acting Milestone

LEGO City Undercover was a significant title for the LEGO video game franchise. At the time of its initial development, it was the first LEGO game to feature full voice acting. This was a major step forward in terms of storytelling and character development, adding depth and personality to the LEGO world. While other LEGO games incorporating voice acting were released before its final launch due to development timelines, the intention behind LEGO City Undercover as a fully voiced experience was groundbreaking. The game’s developers collaborated with Side UK, a renowned voice casting and recording company, to assemble a talented cast, including Josh Robert Thompson. This collaboration ensured that each character had a distinct and memorable voice, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The Parody Connection: Blue Whittaker and Red Redding

The deliberate mirroring of Blue Whittaker’s character to Red Redding from The Shawshank Redemption adds another layer of humor and sophistication to LEGO City Undercover. The similarities in their roles as experienced inmates offering advice and navigating the prison system are undeniable. While Thompson doesn’t directly imitate Freeman’s voice, the character’s mannerisms and narrative function evoke the iconic portrayal, creating a clever and entertaining parody for players to appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions About LEGO City Undercover’s Voice Acting

Here are some frequently asked questions about the voice acting and characters within LEGO City Undercover:

1. Besides Blue Whittaker, who else did Josh Robert Thompson voice in LEGO City Undercover? While he’s primarily known for Blue, Thompson’s versatility suggests he might have contributed to minor roles or incidental voices within the game. However, information about his involvement beyond Blue Whittaker is not widely publicized.

2. Who voiced Chase McCain, the main character? The voice of Chase McCain is provided by Joseph May.

3. Who voiced Rex Fury, the main antagonist? Tom Clarke Hill provides the menacing voice for Rex Fury.

4. Who voiced Natalia Kowalski (later Natalia Smith), Chase McCain’s girlfriend? Natalia is voiced by Jules De Jongh.

5. Does LEGO City Undercover use real actors or just voice actors? The game utilizes voice actors to bring the LEGO characters to life. The actors provide their voices for the game, but their likenesses are not used.

6. Why was voice acting such a big deal for LEGO City Undercover? Introducing full voice acting was a significant leap for LEGO games, adding a new level of immersion and storytelling depth. It allowed for more complex narratives and character interactions.

7. Are there any other notable voice actors in LEGO City Undercover? The game features a talented ensemble cast. While specific details about every voice actor can be elusive, the collaboration with Side UK suggests a professional and experienced team.

8. Is Grace Makepiece voiced in LEGO City Undercover? Grace Makepiece is a playable character, but due to her limited role in the story, the extent of her voice acting (if any beyond basic sounds) is less significant compared to the main characters.

9. Does Mikey Spoilers have voice acting? Yes, Mikey Spoilers is voiced, as he appears in a cutscene and interacts with Chase McCain. The actor for Mikey Spoilers is not always widely credited, but he does have lines.

10. How did the developers choose the voice actors for LEGO City Undercover? The developers collaborated with Side UK, a voice casting and recording company, to select actors who could effectively portray the characters’ personalities and contribute to the game’s overall tone.

11. Is LEGO City Undercover based on a TV show or movie? No, LEGO City Undercover is an original story, although it draws inspiration from various cop movies and TV shows.

12. Will there ever be a LEGO City Undercover 2? While there have been rumors and fan speculation about a sequel, there has been no official announcement of a LEGO City Undercover 2 from TT Games or Nintendo. The provided information about a sequel developed by TT Games and Super Leaf Studios is unconfirmed.

13. How does LEGO City Undercover use parody? The game is filled with parodies of popular movies, TV shows, and video games. The character of Blue Whittaker being a parody of Red from The Shawshank Redemption is a prime example.

14. What makes LEGO City Undercover different from other LEGO games? At the time of its release, the open-world gameplay and full voice acting set it apart from other LEGO titles. The game’s original story and focus on undercover police work also contributed to its unique appeal.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational benefits of video games? To explore the educational aspects of games and their impact on learning, you can visit the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization delves into the research and design of effective learning games. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into how video games, including titles like LEGO City Undercover, can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Blue Whittaker’s Voice

Josh Robert Thompson’s portrayal of Blue Whittaker in LEGO City Undercover remains a memorable aspect of the game. While the character is a clear nod to Morgan Freeman’s iconic role, Thompson’s unique vocal delivery and comedic timing bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to the LEGO universe. The game’s groundbreaking use of voice acting, combined with its clever parodies and engaging storyline, solidify its place as a beloved title in the LEGO video game catalog.