The Voice Behind the Villain: Who Voices Raul Menendez in Black Ops 2?
The chillingly charismatic and undeniably captivating villain, Raul Menendez, from the 2012 video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II, left an indelible mark on the gaming world. But who is the voice behind this iconic character? The answer is Kamar de los Reyes, a talented Puerto Rican actor. De los Reyes’ portrayal of Menendez is widely considered one of the most compelling performances in Call of Duty history, bringing depth, complexity, and a palpable sense of menace to the role.
Kamar de los Reyes: More Than Just a Voice
While many associate the name Kamar de los Reyes with the voice of Raul Menendez, his career spans much further than video game voice acting. Born on November 8, 1967, de los Reyes is an experienced actor with a background in both television and film. He is perhaps best known for his long-running role as Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. This prior experience in dramatic acting is undoubtedly what lent his Menendez performance such weight and conviction.
A Masterful Performance
De los Reyes didn’t simply deliver lines; he embodied Raul Menendez. His nuanced voice acting conveyed a range of emotions, from simmering rage to cold, calculating cruelty. The character’s complex motivations, rooted in a troubled past and a thirst for vengeance, were brought to life with exceptional skill. It’s this level of commitment and talent that made Menendez such a memorable and impactful antagonist. His performance highlights how crucial voice acting is to creating truly compelling video game characters.
Legacy Beyond Gaming
De los Reyes’ work as Raul Menendez has resonated deeply within the gaming community. The character’s popularity extends beyond the game itself, with many considering Menendez one of the best villains in the Call of Duty franchise. De los Reyes’ dedication to his character has solidified Menendez as an iconic figure and helped cement the character’s legacy. His voice is immediately recognizable, and his performance is often cited as a benchmark for villainous roles in video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a more thorough understanding of Raul Menendez and the actor who brought him to life, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is Raul Menendez based on a real person?
No, Raul Menendez is a fictional character created for Call of Duty: Black Ops II. While his background and motivations are rooted in historical events, he is not based on any specific individual. His character draws inspiration from the socio-political turmoil of Latin America and the effects of U.S. intervention.
2. What Call of Duty games does Raul Menendez appear in?
Raul Menendez is the primary antagonist in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. While his influence is felt in later games, he is not a main character in any other title. However, the events of Black Ops II, and Menendez’s actions, directly impact the storyline of Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
3. What is Raul Menendez’s nationality?
Raul Menendez is Nicaraguan. His backstory involves the turbulent political climate of Nicaragua, where his family was deeply involved in organized crime, and his personal history was significantly impacted by U.S. involvement.
4. What is the name of Raul Menendez’s terrorist group?
Raul Menendez is the founder and leader of Cordis Die, a global terrorist organization. This group plays a central role in Black Ops II, carrying out attacks worldwide based on Menendez’s directives.
5. What are Raul Menendez’s primary motivations?
Menendez is primarily motivated by revenge. He seeks to punish Frank Woods for accidentally killing his sister, Josefina, and to make Alex Mason and the United States pay for their actions that led to his father’s assassination, and other injustices throughout history. He also aims to incite a global uprising against oppressive forces.
6. Who is Kamar de los Reyes married to?
Kamar de los Reyes is married to actress Sherri Saum. They have twin boys, John Rubén and Michael Luís, born in 2014.
7. Is Raul Menendez considered a good villain?
Yes, Raul Menendez is often cited as one of the best villains in the Call of Duty franchise and even in all of gaming. His complex motivations, compelling backstory, and Kamar de los Reyes’ performance contribute to his popularity.
8. What is the canon ending for Raul Menendez in Black Ops II?
The canon ending of Black Ops II involves Raul Menendez being killed by David “Section” Mason. However, before his death, Menendez uploaded a video to YouTube commanding his followers in Cordis Die to revolt. This action triggers a global insurrection, and a large scale war, setting the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
9. What years does the Black Ops II storyline take place in?
The single-player campaign in Black Ops II is divided into two timelines: 1986 to 1989 and 2025. The first timeline focuses on events from the First Cold War, and the second highlights a Second Cold War, featuring a rare earths trade dispute.
10. Did Raul Menendez know Farid was a spy?
Yes, it’s strongly implied that Raul Menendez knew Farid was a double agent working for the United States. This could have been through deduction or with information provided by Salazar.
11. Who is the archenemy of Raul Menendez?
Raul Menendez’s primary archenemies are David Mason and Frank Woods, due to their involvement in the events that led to the loss of his family and his disfigurement. His deep seated need for revenge is targeted towards both men and the American government in general.
12. What is the significance of “Cordis Die” in Black Ops II?
Cordis Die is the name of the terrorist organization founded by Raul Menendez. It translates to “The Heart Dies” and represents Menendez’s belief that the world’s power structure needs to be destroyed to build a better future.
13. How many different endings are there in Black Ops II?
There are multiple endings in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which are affected by player choices throughout the game. There are different outcomes for several characters, including Menendez, leading to variations on the overall storyline’s conclusion.
14. Is Black Ops 2 canon with Cold War?
Yes, while Black Ops Cold War serves as a prequel and direct continuation of the original Black Ops, Black Ops II remains a canon part of the overall Black Ops universe, with many of the events affecting the subsequent storyline.
15. What is the significance of Menendez’s “Martyr me for Cordis Die” quote?
This quote, spoken by Menendez as he is about to die, highlights his desire to become a martyr for his cause. He understands that his death, especially at the hands of David Mason, would rally his supporters in Cordis Die and inspire them to act upon his global plan. This quote embodies the manipulative nature of Menendez and his dedication to his cause.
In conclusion, Kamar de los Reyes’ phenomenal voice acting is a crucial element in what makes Raul Menendez such a memorable and impactful character. His contribution goes far beyond merely providing a voice; he embodies the character’s nuances, bringing a truly complex villain to life.