Exploding Kittens Interview: Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata Talk All Things Godcat and Devilcat

Exploding Kittens Interview: Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata Talk All Things Godcat and Devilcat

As a hardcore gamer and avid fan of quirky, animated series, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I heard about the live-action adaptation of the beloved card game “Exploding Kittens.” Having spent countless hours playing this strategic, yet hilarious game with friends and family, I was eager to see how the magical world of Exploding Kittens would translate onto the small screen.


Based on the popular strategic card game “Exploding Kittens,” the Netflix animated series premiered on July 12th. The show’s production team includes heavyweights from the industry and one of the game’s creators, Matthew Inman, who serves as the chief creative officer. After two years of development, this quirky and amusing series brings the essence of the game to life. The story revolves around God, who is demoted and sent to Earth for redemption in an unusual form – a chubby cat body.

Spoilers for
Exploding Kittens
ahead.

I had the pleasure of chatting with the brilliant duo, Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata, behind Netflix’s quirky animated series “Exploding Kittens.” With nine thrilling episodes under their belts, they brought the unforgettable characters of Godcat and Devilcat to life. In an exclusive interview with Game Rant, we delved into their creative journeys and the fascinating process of embodying these unique personas.

Unveiling the Witty Personalities Behind the Paws

Exploding Kittens Interview: Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata Talk All Things Godcat and Devilcat

A: Regarding the program, Godcat is initially unhappy about being reassigned to Earth following allegations of incompetence. Yet, as he becomes more acquainted with his human loved ones, he develops affection for them. Are there any elements of Godcat’s adventure that you’re looking forward to the audience discovering?

As a devoted fan of Tom Ellis, I’m thrilled about the fact that this show is a captivating journey. It’s not just a zany comedy filled with hilarious one-liners, but it also has an intriguing progression for its characters. I can hardly wait to see how they develop throughout the series and I hope we, as viewers, are in for some delightful surprises, just like Lucifer himself when he starts to feel emotions for the first time!

As a gamer and creator of Devilcat in Exploding Kittens, I wanted to ensure she added the right amount of mischief and chaos to the game without being too overwhelmingly evil. To achieve this balance, I gave her a playful and unpredictable personality. When it comes to sabotage, Devilcat is always ready with a surprise up her sleeve – sometimes she may intentionally mislead players or create unexpected situations to keep things lively. As for comedy, her quirky attitude and unique interactions add a lighthearted element to the game. In essence, Devilcat embodies the spirit of Exploding Kittens by keeping players on their toes with a healthy dose of chaos, sabotage, and laughter.

Sasheer Zamata finds playing this character amusing because she’s complex and intriguing. She longs to be wicked, putting in great effort, but fails to fully achieve her goal. Watching her portrayal of chaos is entertaining, as it’s akin to tearing apart a cherished toy or making a mess. Her character exclaims victoriously, “Got you!” yet remains stuck in her struggle. The show keeps viewers engaged as they root for her to succeed in becoming evil, but ultimately, the audience doesn’t necessarily desire that outcome. Could she eventually assume the role of her father, who is Satan? Not yet, but the possibility remains open.

A: Godcat and Devilcat are two intriguing characters with rich backstories. Could you share any distinctive techniques you employed while shaping their individual personalities and voices?

Tom Ellis: Interestingly, the distinctive voice of Godcat emerged following a project I worked on with the well-known British actor, Charles Dance. Known for his intimidating presence and booming voice, I portrayed his son in this production. Spending extensive time together during filming, I formed an impression of him, which I shared with him jokingly. Later, when I was offered the role of Godcat, I realized that the voice I had been developing throughout this project seemed perfect for the character. As a result, unintentionally, Charles Dance’s voice became the inspiration for Godcat’s.

Sasheer Zamata: I’ve been pondering over how it would be for an incredibly naive individual to attempt wickedness. The result was a frantic, unsuccessful effort that proved quite entertaining! My vocal pitch remains the same, but in these exaggerated extremes, there are some extremely high and low tones.

A: Had you played the Exploding Kittens card game prior to being part of the production, and if yes, how did this previous experience impact your performance in the role?

Tom Ellis: I dislike answering this question as it requires me to acknowledge that I wasn’t initially familiar with it. Yet, I came to realize through my kids that the game “Exploding Kittens” was a massive hit. Admit it, I’m not exactly a knowledgeable person!

Sasheer Zamata: I’d only heard of it before, but I wasn’t really into games. Recently, though, since many people in my life play games, I’ve been introduced to several new ones. One of them is Exploding Kittens. I’m not sure I fully grasp the rules yet, but winning felt great!

[END]

Exploding Kittens is available now on Netflix.

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2024-07-15 15:24