Sarah Natochenny Talks MARVEL'S BLACK WIDOW: BAD BLOOD and POKÉMON
This week, Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood will go live on Serial Box. It’s an intense narrative with veteran voice actor Sarah Natochenny serving as the narrator. I got to ask Natochenny some questions about the story as well as her work on Pokémon. You’ll be able to read or listen to Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood starting April 28 on Serial Box via their website or apps available on Android and iOS.
Someone has stolen the Black Widow’s blood. Now she must find them before it’s too late.
As Natasha Romanoff follows the trail across the globe, she discovers she wasn’t the only target. Whoever is responsible stole Bucky Barnes’ blood, too. And one thing is certain: anyone who wants the blood of the Widow and the Winter Soldier needs to be taken down, and fast.
Despite a tangled web of shared history stretching back to their Red Room days, Barnes and Romanoff must join forces, confronting the demons of their past as they race to protect their future. A single drop of blood could be all it takes to save the world—or destroy it.
Tommy: Sarah, it is an honor to interview you. One of your most recent projects is Black Widow: Bad Blood. What was it like recording that story? How would you say narrating the story of Bad Blood differs from recording lines for Pokemon or other animated series?
Sarah: Thank you for having me! Yes, Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood has been incredible to work on. The story is riveting and it’s such an amazing opportunity to do a continuous performance, rather than stopping after every line as we do in a lot of animated shows. A solo audio drama like this is so immersive. It’s really great to be able to do both!
Tommy: I don't want to spoil anything, but can you maybe vaguely describe one of your favorite parts of Bad Blood, or maybe what your favorite thing about recording it was?
Sarah: We’re not done yet! But I love the fight sequences where everyone is taking hits and I seamlessly go between narration and dialogue, letting some of the pain seep into the narration. I really enjoy being the narrator in this, because the narrator really is an extension of Natasha Romanoff.
Tommy: You've been voicing Ash Ketchum, the most famous Pokemon trainer since about 2006. By that time, the character was already iconic, so what was it like taking over the reigns?
Sarah: Very intimidating! I loved the show as a kid, and I knew I had big shoes to fill.
Tommy: In addition to Ash, you voice his mother Delia, is it weird at all to voice a mother and son?
Sarah: Not at all, it’s very fun!
Tommy: Of course, you also voice a cornucopia of Pokemon. Do you have a favorite pocket monster to voice? What are your favorite things about voicing the awesome and/or adorable creatures?
Sarah: Buneary is my favorite Pokémon to voice. It’s so dynamic and adorable, and had a wonderful little arc with Pikachu, which I appreciated.
Tommy: Do you play the Pokemon games? If so, who's your starter and what's your criteria for choosing a starter? Do you go for cuteness, strength, a specific type?
Sarah: I’ve played Let’s Go as an adult, but not much. I don’t have the time! I pick Pikachu, of course. I played Pokémon Go a lot - I kept the strongest ones!
Tommy: Do you have any other projects coming up that fans should be aware of?
Sarah: All I can talk about is this! The first two episodes of Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood will be available on Serial Box beginning April 28, with a new episode releasing every Tuesday. There are 14 episodes total. The first episode is free and the full season is available for $9.99. You can access Serial Box online and on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!