Nika Futterman, who has brought the character of Asajj Ventress to life in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch, recently spoke with Nick Williams of Temple of Geek at Comic Con Revolution about her experience. Comic Con Revolution, the Inland Empire’s largest comic and pop culture event. The event, which took place this past weekend, featured a variety of attractions for fans, including exclusive guest appearances, reunions with beloved casts, legendary comic book creators, iconic voice actors, and world-class photo opportunities.
A Dream Come True
Temple of Geek (Nick Williams): So first off, how is it being a part of the Star Wars universe?
Nika Futterman: I mean, well, let’s see, what’s the first thing that popped in my head? It’s an honor, a privilege. Like I’m a part of history. I mean, it’s kind of like one of those things where you’re like, “Oh, I can’t believe it!” Oh, I dreamed of it because. It wasn’t in my thoughts. Once I became a part of it, well, once I auditioned for the part, then it was like all I could think about was getting it. And they made me work to get it. And then once it happened, I was like, “This is like… this is like a dream come true!” It’s like a part of history. I feel like I’m, dreaming. It’s like you get to be in this, like, rare group of lucky humans. Almost like winning the lottery, which would also be fun.
Crafting a Complex Voice -Nika Futterman on creating the voice of Asajj Ventress
Temple of Geek (Nick Williams): How did you approach a character like that?
Nika Futterman: I think when I was first creating her, she had this sort of presence to her that I felt was like this mix of kick-ass chick. She also had a history that was so complex. And I found her to be highly intelligent. Both on a street level and also in just from her life experience. She felt sort of like a sophisticated human.
And so I kind of thought about her, you know, sort of in like the old style of villain in terms of how I wanted to make her voice. So there was that. But then as she started to change and sort of move into a lighter place and where I think she’s heading in the future is I think she’s chilled out a bit.
On Ventress’ return in Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Futterman imbued the voice with a sense of sophistication and intelligence, drawing inspiration from classic villains. However, she also acknowledged Ventress’s growth and hinted at a potentially “lighter” future for the character. “I think she’s chilled out a bit,” Futterman said, referencing Ventress’s appearance in The Bad Batch.
Nika Futterman:So I think I think you kind of get it a little bit in Bad Batch, where she’s not as like Shakespeare, you know what I mean?
And, and I think that. So it’s kind of like pulling back on that how much she articulates and just kind of like chilling. And she’s also like, she doesn’t have this, you know, she’s not following anyone’s rules. Not that she ever was. But you know what I mean? Like, there’s no, you know, person who’s running her plan and she’s, you know, so anyway, without saying too much, like, you know, you might see a change in her, like, just kind of like general attitude.
Having of course, like once Clone Wars, was canceled. Then we had The Dark Disciple. But when, when we got to see her in that trailer for The Bad Batch and people lost their minds, how was it for you returning to that role? I lost my mind! I was like, “Oh yeah, baby!” Because I’m like, Filoni is running stuff now, so anything’s possible, you know? Yeah, like if you know… And so and so that’s what, you know, for me, I was saved because like, because we never got to finish what she was about to become.
She had this whole life that was going to happen as a bounty hunter and all that stuff. And so I was like, we never get to explore, like what she was turning into and where we got to see her, like sort of being a protector and like, you know, like having a softer side and those things. So I was ready to explore that. And then… poof! You go, bye bye.
Nika Futterman’s Favorite Asajj Ventress Storyline
Temple of Geek (Nick Williams): We were sad, too, but I’m so happy to have her back. Do you have a favorite Ventress-like storyline?
Nika Futterman: I mean, I love when she’s with the Nightsisters! Because I feel like it’s, like, very witchy and powerful. And also, one of the places where she did still feel safe and cared about, and a part of something. Because she’s such a lone wolf, you know what I mean? So I would say that’s like my favorite stuff.
Futterman’s passion for the character and her insightful perspective on Ventress’s development will no doubt keep fans hoping for more.For more information about Comic Con Revolution check out their website at comicconrevolution.com
