Who Voices Salazar in Black Ops 2? Unveiling the Character Behind the Villain
The character of Javier Salazar in Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a complex and impactful one, playing a pivotal role in the game’s narrative. But who is the actor behind this memorable character? The answer is Celestino Cornielle. This actor lent his voice and talent to bring Salazar to life, creating a compelling antagonist who deeply influences the game’s plot. Cornielle’s performance contributed significantly to the intense and engaging experience that Black Ops II is known for.
The Role of Javier Salazar in Black Ops 2
Salazar’s Character and Motivations
Javier Salazar is a prominent figure in the game’s narrative, closely tied to the main antagonist, Raul Menendez. As a key member of Menendez’s inner circle, Salazar is fiercely loyal and acts as a crucial enforcer, carrying out brutal acts and playing a significant part in Menendez’s plans. His actions often directly impact the player’s progression through the story, making him an unforgettable character in the Black Ops II universe. Salazar is portrayed as a cold, ruthless, and highly effective operative, often serving as a foil to the protagonists. He is instrumental in the events leading up to some of the most dramatic moments in the game.
The Connection Between Salazar and the Main Narrative
Salazar’s actions have far-reaching consequences throughout the game’s story. His involvement in crucial missions, his interactions with other characters, and his direct orders from Menendez create an intense atmosphere that compels the player to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. His ruthlessness and unwavering loyalty make him a potent antagonist, consistently placing him at odds with the player character, David “Section” Mason.
How Celestino Cornielle’s Voice Performance Enhanced the Character
Celestino Cornielle’s voice acting played an integral role in bringing Salazar to life. His performance captured the character’s menacing and cold demeanor, making him a truly compelling villain. The tone, inflection, and delivery all work together to create a character that is both believable and terrifying. Cornielle’s contribution demonstrates the importance of vocal performance in creating memorable and impactful video game characters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Ops 2 Voices
This section delves deeper into the world of Black Ops II voice acting and covers many of the other characters in the game, providing additional information for fans and those curious about the game’s vocal cast.
1. Who voices the iconic Alex Mason in Black Ops 2?
Sam Worthington provides the voice for the protagonist, Alex Mason, in Black Ops II, portraying the character in both his younger and older versions in the game’s two timelines.
2. Who steps in to voice Jason Hudson in Black Ops 2?
Michael Keaton takes on the role of Jason Hudson in Black Ops II, replacing Ed Harris who voiced the character in the first Black Ops game. This change was made due to scheduling conflicts with Ed Harris.
3. Who voices Mike Harper in Black Ops 2?
The voice of Mike Harper in Black Ops II is provided by the talented actor Michael Rooker, known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Walking Dead.
4. Who is the voice behind the enigmatic Raul Menendez?
Kamar de los Reyes delivers an exceptional performance as Raul Menendez, the main antagonist of the game, bringing depth and menace to the character.
5. Who voices David “Section” Mason in Black Ops 2?
Rich McDonald voices David “Section” Mason, the son of Alex Mason and the primary playable character for the 2025 storyline in the game.
6. Who provides the voice for Frank Woods in Black Ops 2?
James C. Burns returns to voice Frank Woods, Alex Mason’s long-time comrade, a role he also played in the first Black Ops.
7. Who voices Admiral Tommy Briggs in Black Ops 2?
The powerful voice behind Admiral Tommy Briggs belongs to Tony Todd, an actor known for his distinctive deep voice, contributing to Briggs’ commanding presence.
8. Who voices Farid in Black Ops 2 and what other video game character has he voiced?
Abtahi voices Farid in Black Ops II, and he is also known for voicing Sergeant John Lugo in Spec Ops: The Line and Victor “Gator” Diallo in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
9. Who voices Tank Dempsey in the Black Ops II Zombies mode?
Steve Blum is the voice actor behind Tank Dempsey, one of the fan-favorite characters in the Zombies mode. Blum is well known for his prolific voice acting career in both animation and video games.
10. Who voices the player character in Black Ops 3?
In Black Ops 3, the player character is voiced by Ben Browder if male and Abby Brammell if female, allowing for a more customizable and immersive experience.
11. Which other actor voiced characters in the Call of Duty franchise?
Jason Statham voiced Sergeant Waters in the very first Call of Duty game in 2003, a notable but often overlooked role.
12. Why does Jason Hudson sound different in Black Ops 2 compared to the first game?
The change in voice actor for Jason Hudson was due to the fact that Ed Harris was unavailable to reprise his role, resulting in Michael Keaton stepping in to voice the character.
13. Is the voice actor for any of the characters in BO2 based on a real person?
There is no direct real-life person that the voice actor, Kamar De Los Reyes based Raul Menendez on; it is a fictional character.
14. What role did Michael Rooker play in Black Ops 2?
Michael Rooker played the role of Mike Harper in Black Ops 2, a significant character in the game’s storyline.
15. What is the most brutal Call of Duty game?
Call of Duty: World at War is often considered the most brutal installment in the series due to its graphic violence and portrayal of the horrors of World War II.
Conclusion
Celestino Cornielle’s performance as Javier Salazar in Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a testament to the power of voice acting in video games. His portrayal of Salazar contributed to the overall depth and intensity of the game, making him a memorable antagonist. By exploring the voices behind the game’s characters, we gain a greater appreciation for the artistry and talent that bring these virtual worlds to life. The collective effort of these voice actors is a huge factor in the game’s success and lasting appeal.