Over the past few days, new interviews have emerged with two of the actors who have substantial roles in Pixar’s upcoming film, Brave. Star Kelly Macdonald, who is voicing main character Merida, and Kevin McKidd, voice of Lord MacGuffin and Young MacGuffin, both spoke with The Press Association about how it has been working on a film made by Pixar. Additionally, McKidd also spoke with MovieWeb on what it has been like to voice two characters for the animated film. Read on for some snippets from their interviews!
It seems that Macdonald did not realize that she would be playing the first female Pixar lead when she signed up for the job. She told The Press Association:
“I kind of didn’t realise until quite recently that I was the first female [lead] – like way after I’d started my voice recordings and everything,” she laughed. “I’m delighted but it’s kind of scary.”
McKidd briefly spoke about how it is has been working with the studio on a Scotland-based film:
“I’m proud of being Scottish and to be involved in a film that’s going to shout from the rooftops that Scotland is an awesome place and has brilliant stories and cool characters… it does mean a lot actually.
“To be in a Pixar film anyway, is amazing.”
In an interview with MovieWeb, he elaborates on the characters he is voicing:
“I’m doing two voices in that movie now, actually. My kids are unbelievably excited that I’m in a Pixar movie. I was at the D23 convention last week in Anaheim, and it was great to see the audience’s reaction. They all seemed to love it. I play Lord MacGuffin and Young MacGuffin. Young MacGuffin is one of the suitors to Merida, Kelly Macdonald’s character, who asks for her hand in marriage. He’s a strapping young chap but he can’t be understood by anyone because his Scottish brogue is too thick. His father kind of translates for him on his behalf. They just landed on the idea that I should do both voices. I’ve been a Pixar fan from the start, so to get to work with them, I’m kind of pinching myself. I think they do the best work around.”
During the Walt Disney Studios panel at D23, McKidd gave the audience a taste of Young MacGuffin’s thick accent. I could sense the comedic level of that character already, as you could literally understand nary a word that came out of his mouth. His translator will come in handy for sure!
The topic of the Scottish accents brings up a nice discussion also. The footage we were shown during the panel featured (what seemed to be) authentic accents from the actors. It was great to see that the accents had not been dumbed down or faked for the sake of audiences. Macdonald and McKidd both hail from Scotland, as do other members of the cast such as Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. Already showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the region, Brave will truly be a love letter to Scotland!
Brave hits theaters on June 22, 2012.
Sources: The Press Association, MovieWeb
