Interview with David Humphrey - Voice of Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic Adventure 2) - LairCon 2024

[@IchthysEntertainment]

It's so surreal to see the actual voice actor for the original Shadow. Funny how the man that voices our favorite edgy hedgehog, is a very nice and humble person.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

He was so chill and laid back. Can't wait to see him again at Sonic Expo!

[@TheGamingKiller242]

Tbf, that's kinda how Shadow used to be.

[@barbie_5555]

just like Shadow is supposed to be

[@IchthysEntertainment]

@@TheGamingKiller242 Yeah, like in the anime Sonic X, Shadow's character wasn't necessarily edgy, he was more calm, but didn't take crap from no on either. I honestly like that version of Shadow better.

[@elfascisto6549]

​@@IchthysEntertainment shadow's original appearance wasn't edgy either

[@RetrogirlChannel]

He will always and forever be my favorite Shadow voice actor.

[@Hedgie3]

Same, because I think that he did a great job of giving Shadow a voice that sounded dark enough from what that emotional backstory and being tricked by Gerald Robotnik into thinking that the revenge stuff was what Maria wanted him to do could make that character act like, while still showing that Shadow has a heart by having his voice also not sound too edgy while recording the dialogue. David Humphrey kept a good balance of those two parts of Shadow's personality while voicing the Ultimate Lifeform and I've been pretty impressed with how well he managed to do that. So I'm glad that SEGA casted him in to be Shadow's first official English VA.

[@RetrogirlChannel]

@@Hedgie3 "being tricked by Gerald Robotnik into thinking that the revenge stuff was what Maria wanted him to do." THIS!!! Finally someone gets it! I hate how everyone just thinks that Shadow "conveniently" misunderstood Maria's final wish. And I agree fully. He sounded smooth, cool and mysterious. Its the perfect voice for Shadow.

[@wselfwulfwulf9746]

@@RetrogirlChannel And he wasn’t just tricked, he was brainwashed. G.U.N. forced Gerald to continue work on the project before he went insane and the Professor tampered with Shadow’s mind. He did the same thing to the Biolizard. It’s crazy how over 20 years later people still think Shadow just “misunderstood” Maria’s wish lol

[@OmegaSon]

@@RetrogirlChannel I can definitely see why fr he definitely had the most emotion and was just smooth asf with his delivery it was so badass

[@RetrogirlChannel]

@@wselfwulfwulf9746 Yeah. Everything was planned and prepared by Gerald. I can't shake off the feeling that the current writers at SEGA misunderstand the whole story about Shadow in general. His whole character doesn't match with how he should be in all those recent games.

[@abdomalik6572]

"I'll take it from here" i like how he deliver this line in sonic heroes.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Truth, he makes Shadow sound so cool in Heroes for sure!

[@starpop409]

​@@GtotheNextLevelyesssss!!!! So glad I'm not the only 1 that thinks so!

[@BigGreen945]

His best line in that game is "It'll be a date to die for!"

[@galaxy_kitten95]

While Jason’s Shadow is the version I grew up with, David’s Shadow is also one I hold very dearly. He made Shadow sound mysterious and alluring while also being smooth and collected. One of my favorite lines is from Sonic Heroes, mainly due to David’s delivery: “Well then, it’ll be a date to DIE for. 😏”

[@betomcfly9229]

@@galaxy_kitten95 yessssssss! It gave me scar lion king villain vibes and loved it lol

[@SorenAlba54]

Couldn’t agree more. He laid the foundations of the most complex and fascinating character of all time in Sonic the Hedgehog history. That is why Jason Griffith, Kirk Thornton and Ian Hanlin are his successors since he provided the voice and they followed suit by refining it. Griffith is my Shadow as well but Humphrey is the real Shadow as much as Ryan Drummond is the real Sonic for most people. Absolute legends.

[@MilesReset]

@@galaxy_kitten95 There is a reference to that line in Shadow Gens. Just goes to show how iconic it is!

[@Evilriku13]

@@MilesReset Ooouh? Alrighty, I keep my eyes and ears open for it!

[@emmanuelharris6445]

Sonic: Hey! That’s My Line!

[@betchaos7383]

"this was my very first voice over roll" It all starts with this...

[@BareBandSubscription]

“…a voice containing the ultimate power…”

[@SupremeSR]

I definitely liked David’s take on Shadow when it came to the playful tone which is definitely something the other VA haven’t quite mastered imo.

[@b1zarr371]

RIGHT!? FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT! This is a character trait of shadows that so many have forgotten about and it seems to have been lost since davids voiced the character. The character wasnt always angry shadow actually smiled alot and had a cheeky/cocky competitive side to him that you saw during davids tenure. Such a same its been forgotten id like to hopefully see it return someday

[@Faz10do987]

I think Kirk’s voice is good, but here’s my ranking #1:David #2:Kirk #3:Jason

[@angelsebastiansonikkun5791]

13:23 😮 so COOL

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Yup, he’s still got it!

[@knuxuki1013]

My favorite Shadow VA, he sounds young, mysterious and yet kind and soft which suits Shiro Maekawa's want for Shadow's character Also glad to see he remembers his role more than I thought he was going to

[@StickmanGuides]

Still my favourite voice actor for Shadow! Wild how his Shadow voice is so calm that he effortlessly sounds like him. Still got it too. Legend

[@justinbarton8808]

It would be amazing if he and Ryan Drummond Re-enacted some of their lines together at an expo. “I found you, faker!”” Faker, I think your the fake hedgehog around here, your comparing yourself to me? Ha, your not even good enough to be my fake!” “I’ll make you eat those words!”

[@brandonwilliams6119]

Also this line: _”I think I've discovered what the ultimate life form is… It might be you!”_ If we get this in movie 3 I will go Super Sonic!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

I bet I could ask them at Sonic Expo!

[@Protofall]

I think those two have voiced Sonic and Shadow in the same piece of media since then. See the "Sonic and Tails R" audio youtube series. Buuuut, it wouldn't hurt if they did it again.

[@omariwalker1006]

He was incredible as Shadow! Like he wasn't acting, but made Shadow naturally distant, cool and charismatic. David is just a great great actor!! 👏🏾

[@aidandoyle3570]

If he wasnt the original voice of shadow its possible that SO many of us wouldnt have fallen in love w shadow like we did. He MADE shadow

[@GtotheNextLevel]

That’s the best thing about someone who does a dang good job at setting the right tone and energy for the character, and David nailed it.

[@brandonwilliams6119]

The fact that David goes back with Ryan and Scott even before SA2 really was a shocking surprise and to reunite with them to do voice work with them for one of the greatest Sonic Games, it’s like bumping into an old friend and getting to work on something together, very fun interview!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Thank you! It’s such a wonderful story that three lifelong buddies grew even stronger through Sonic.

[@jakest123]

I think it was actually Ryan who referred David for the audition of Shadow, I wouldn't be surprised if he did the same for Scott too as the VA changed between SA1 & 2

[@neogalactic1195]

This is shadow, the emotion, confusion, and internal struggle shadow had was portrayed so well because of this guy

[@skibitibap]

David will forever be my Shadow, and first and foremost a chill dude

[@TheTrollingPokémon247]

He’s always been the GOAT of Shadow to me (even though Jason, Koji, and Keanu are all fantastic as well.) Always nice to see when people get to interact with him during interviews like this, he’s underrated.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Agreed!! Just getting to meet three of the OG Adventure cast was fantastic. Next up for my interviews will be Ryan Drummond, then Scott Dreier!

[@DGDShadowMemoria]

Kirk did amazing as Shadow too. 😎

[@ScottMarcus]

@@DGDShadowMemoria No 😎

[@TheTrollingPokémon247]

@@GtotheNextLevel cool! I’ll be looking forward to those interviews as well.

[@TheTrollingPokémon247]

@@DGDShadowMemoriahe got better in Sonic X Shadow Generations, but he still hasn’t topped any of the bigger Shadow actors like David or Jason.

[@Mew4U]

He is such a nice guy. I met him earlier this year and I feel like he gave shadow that introverted feel to him.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

His shadow does feel a lot mysterious than the others and I love it!

[@Digisonic1]

4:30 that's me right there 🙏🖤🥰 Word for word. that is exactly what you did for me. Thank you my friend! 🖤🕳️⚫🦔💨

[@KOTSOSMC2002]

Ngl, I thought he was gone, like the OG Eggman actor. Cool he's getting interviews about it.

[@loregasmic]

Shadow has never had a “bad” voice actor but no one replaces the OG.

[@TheY2KReviewer]

4:07 That... That right there meant so, so much. I got teary eyed hearing that. Thank you so much for everything, David. And Ryan as well. 🖤💙🦔🦔

[@ralphflowers17]

He sound’s great still, wish he was still the voice

[@magikalie]

The original Shadow is the best Shadow. I'm now 30 years old and still a huge Shadow fan!

[@Skoufidios]

Man, I'd love for Humphrey, Griffith and Thornton to do like, a bit together, where they go "I'm Shadow the Hedgehog", and then one of them says "No, I'M Shadow the Hedgehog!" and it just keeps going and going; each VA shining bright with what they bring to the character in just a couple of seconds!

[@Hedgie3]

Yeah, those 3 Shadow the hedgehog VAs saying that to each other repeatedly would be pretty humorous and entertaining to see.

[@kryniuxofficial587]

David Humphrey: *You both aren't even good enough to be my fakes!*

[@Hedgie3]

@@kryniuxofficial587 Followed by them both together saying to him:"I'll make you eat those words!"

[@stilldeaky]

spiderman pointing meme

[@GtotheNextLevel]

All three of them are going to Sonic Expo, I should ask!

[@caguay]

David will forever be the closest you can get to perfection when it comes to casting, in Shadow’s case. When you don’t force your voice in a neutral tone you’re allowed to push it any way you need, having a full range of emotions that flesh out the character and make them sound genuine. Truly the best to ever do it by virtue of being an excellent fit for the role already, it’s a bit unfair to compare other performances to his 😆 that’s why I always take David out of the equation if someone asks who my favorite voice actor for Shadow is; David is still number 1 ✨💫 I’m happy to hear that he’s doing great and keeps working on many passion projects!

[@pbmsvideoentertainment834]

I'm gonna have David Humphrey, Jason Griffith & Kirk Thorton sign my funko pop of Shadow the hedgehog. The Year of Shadow Man!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Very nice!! Are you going to Sonic Expo? (Forgive me if I asked you this already)

[@pbmsvideoentertainment834]

@@GtotheNextLevel yes and no worries and I actually got the VIP 3 day Pass

[@Nickbronline]

You could skip over Kirk tbh

[@DW9427]

@@Nickbronline nah, he's great.

[@krisjolt]

​@@Nickbronlinenah, he's been around for longer than either. Respect the old man.

[@dershadoow]

Best Shadow voice actor.

[@LowQualitySpamtonDeltarune]

He will forever by my favorite Shadow and English Voice Actor for Sonic

[@Angel_devil6969]

I LOVE DAVID HUMPHREY

[@thelongestshadow3389]

*enter final boss for Hero Story SA2* "Before this is over- I'll show you the TRUE power of CHAOS CONTROL!!!"

[@kingkazma3246]

David I love you, thank you for making SA2 such a memorable experience! To me YOU are Shadow the Hedgehog! You brought the edge, the mystery and heart to this character like no other after you.

[@TheDanimatorsChannel]

The original cast should have NEVER been replaced.

[@Hedgie3]

Yeah I agree, and it would never have happened if the USA part of SEGA was more like the Japanese part because in Japan, character VAs from any franchise never get replaced unless any VA has an understandable serious reason why he or she permanently can't do voice acting anymore. (mostly either from passing away or permanently retiring from that job)

[@kingkazma3246]

When they replaced them I was so mad I started importing Sonic games for 7 long years, with Sonic Colors breaking the curse XD true story lol.

[@FujiMezu]

The current set of voice actors is heading in a good direction but in the beginning they were plain awful in my opinion. I still think Roger Craig Smith is a miss cast for Sonic. Ryan or Jason would have been most ideal for the role if they were given the chance to continue. Kirk made Shadow sound Edgy as hell BUT with this new direction. It’s hard to imagine Jason with shadows voice. Kirk is that good!!!

[@TheDanimatorsChannel]

@@FujiMezu I am actually on the side that I think Jason was always a miscast for Sonic. He made Sonic sound Nerdy and slow and overly calm. I DO understand the critique though of Roger sounding too old, even though it doesnt bother me.

[@FujiMezu]

@@TheDanimatorsChannel nerdy? yea definitely in the run of Sonic X, HOWEVER in Unleashed and Black Knight he perfected his voice and in my opinion Became THE SONIC VOICE, the true successor to Ryan Drummond’s Sonic. It’s cool they are friends in real life!

[@Lemuel928]

The old Shadow,he drinks fancy tea.😎

[@UnAlliedGaming]

great interview! He seems like a very respectful humble guy who really appreciates the role he had in playing such an iconic character and the influence it had. Props to the interviewer as well for asking some good questions! excited for shadow generations

[@TJAdkirson]

What took you by surprise by him liking Scooby Doo? Everyone likes Scooby Doo.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Mainly cause I ask that question to almost all the actors I interview or panel emcee and he’s the first I’ve heard say Scooby-Doo.

[@rinoiya]

My favorite shadow voice actor to this day. He's the coolest.

[@taLLdavidproduction]

Thanks for playing the stage clear song at the end. Damn that was satisfying

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Had to do it!

[@Kojin1104]

SA2 was my freaking childhood. Thank you David.

[@KyleEvra-15]

The original Shadow 🥹❤️🖤🔪

[@legionevo1137]

Shadow will always be my favorite Sonic characters followed with Rouge, Omega, and Tails. David Humphrey will always be considered OG Shadow the Hedgehog. CHAOS CONTROL!!

[@rickydargence5948]

His GOAT voice, the next one after this was just ok and the one we have today sounds TOO edgy in a cartoonish way, the OG Shadow was a great balance of edge, mysterious but also kind.

[@giovonniiclayton]

@@rickydargence5948 and that’s factually correct a lot of the characters feel miss casted especially shadow he sounds too edgy and agro

[@rox4945]

He’s my favorite shadow Va of all time I love how he tackles the serious and stoic attitude he has with the occasional witticism or banter he’d occasionally show

[@sendotekashyi9273]

“I promise you! REVENGE!!!” My favourite line from this shadow 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AmadeusFandubs]

He's the coolest!

[@jim394]

David was always a mystery as far as where he was after voicing Shadow. Maybe there was one video of him singing that his niece posted from like 2007. But it wasn't till recent years when he started showing up again. I thought it was cool he made an appearance on Sonic and Tails R and did a shadow line in the outtakes when he voiced knuckles. Hopefully he makes more appearances. Seems like a good guy!

[@FSAPOJake]

Words can't describe how much I want this man back for a modern Sonic game with modern, good voice direction.

[@infinite99s17]

even when he's not even trying to do the voice, I still hear his Shadow voice

[@kaistudios5536]

@@infinite99s17 it's actually insane and I love it so much! 🤩

[@MegaManNeo]

Now the Faker scene stuck in my head from David's and Ryan's perspective in the voice recording studio.

[@ToshisGarden]

LOVE the Sonic Battle shoutout with the Club Rouge music! Emerl is my favorite Sonic character, with Shadow not too far behind!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Glad someone noticed it! I’m a big fan of Sonic Battle. It needs more love.

[@mudousetsuna]

What a cool guy! I really enjoyed watching this! That is so cool how he got a custom hoodie!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Thank you!! That was a really sweet story. Custom made gifts are the best.

[@michaelfragoso6572]

I really wish he was still voicing shadow

[@DarkDesertRose]

God, I love the OG cast. David's voice is still my favorite Shadow voice, and I really like how Keanu Reaves went for more of his vibe in the movie

[@DaStrikey]

This made me tear up so much..My child and early teenhood was spent on this game and Heroes alone and David's Shadow was so regal and unique. I always dreamt we'd hear from him again with how huge the fandom and franchise has grown since. I owe so much to this very man for giving Shadow such a beautiful and poetic voice, truly one of a kind. Thank you both so much.

[@valmid5069]

Cant wait for more great content from this channel!

[@sirkingpinmonroe4439]

The Adventure era voice actors of Sonic is my favorite cast. And David will always be my favorite Shadow! ❤

[@AlMoSiCe210]

Honestly, part of me was hoping that he'd return as movie Shadow to be an interesting contrast to Ben Schwartz' energy but Keanu ain't a bad shout at all! David will always be my Shadow. He just has an aura that made the character in the first place.

[@numbnutt9170]

He will always be the coolest 😎

[@Cloke100]

Jason is the fan favorite, but David was truly peak casting for Shadow.

[@SimbaOtsutsuki920]

My favorite Shadow!

[@MASF_]

"There's no time to play games, you won't even get the chance!"

[@KING_STRONGTH]

When you see a reproduction game cart: *"Faker"*

[@leaongat7549]

Did he not ask him where he came up with the shadow voice? He should have done some voices

[@mikdan8813]

"I'm a bad mother pheasant plucker" -Shadow the Hedgehog

[@swisserty]

Please don’t say that

[@IZZYCHAN13]

I appreciate multi-talented people ^^ Cool that he's still out there

[@HyperSonicXtreme]

Now you have to find Corey Bringas Tails (Sonic Adventure, Sonic Shuffle) Connor Bringas Tails (Sonic Adventure 2) William Corkery Tails (Sonic Heroes, Battle, Sonic Advance 3) Jennifer Douillard Amy Rose

[@GtotheNextLevel]

The goal is to meet as many as I can so fingers crossed! Help me get to conventions where they may be at and hopefully I can make it happen. 👍

[@christopherb.5797]

Just like Residence Of Evil channel got almost all the original live actors from the first Resident Evil game.

[@AccelerateHedge]

@@HyperSonicXtreme I think Corkery did an interview back in the day, but I don't think the Bringas brothers are really doing anything in entertainment anymore, so I doubt they want to be tracked down.

[@KaizoKitsune625]

If only Deem Bristow was still around

[@missmanxee]

Great interview with the original voice actor of Shadow the Hedgehog David Humphrey I first heard him when I played my first Sonic game Heroes Jason was the one I grew up with and is my all time favorite but I still love David as my second favorite my favorite lines from Heroes is “Hmph Hope you can keep up with me” and “Is that so well then it’ll be a date to die for” thanks G for sharing this 👍🦔🖤

[@bowserbreaker2515]

This was David Humphrey's first-time voice acting, and he still did a really good job. That takes skill. He is my favorite Shadow. He understands the character. He's not just dark. He has heart. When I read Archie, I hear his voice.

[@MerandaYt]

Best shadow voice ever

[@platanoluver]

His answer about the fan interactions was so sweet. Its awesome that not only did he give us so much with his perfomance as Shadow but he feels that same love from us when we meet him. Its so awesome ☺️

[@SnowWolf597]

Thank you for uploading this man. Still my favorite english voice actor for him.

[@GtotheNextLevel]

You’re welcome! Ryan and Scott’s interviews are coming up soon.

[@SnowWolf597]

@GtotheNextLevel thank you!

[@Chou-shi]

GREAT INTERVIEW !!! I love Shadow

[@Nao-dq2yt]

David and Jason will always be my favorite VAs in history

[@WAFFENFABRIK]

Wow this is an amazing interview

[@nataliewicker4362]

Omg!!! He will always be number 1 for me!❤ I am soo happy you got an interview with him.

[@blues4509]

Honestly, he's my favorite version of Shadow's voice. There was a lot of nuance to his performance, and he just sounded smoother and more melancholy than later versions. I think Shadow is misunderstood by a lot of people outside looking in and even some fans. He comes off as a darker, maybe even cold personality, but deep down, he's just as kind and heroic as Sonic in many ways. He's a pure soul, and that purity allows him to be misled sometimes like in SA2 and Shadow the Hedgehog.

[@catnerdfromspace]

DAVIIIID I MISS YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

[@KendallGandFam]

Cant wait to meet him at Sonic Expo this year

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Him, Ryan, and Scott are all gone be there!

[@Officialchristophermorris]

As much I respect the Modern Sonic Cast... but the Dreamcast Era (My Introduction) of Sonic's Cast, David Humphrey & Ryan Drummond will always be my Personal Top Tier Favorite Sonic VA's🔒❤💯

[@thedadadaraindejavu8622]

He’s my favorite voice actor for Shadow

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Mine too!

[@DGDShadowMemoria]

To me David is always Shadow the Hedgehog!😎👍 He made Shadow our amazing badass anti-hero full of mystery and yet the coolest and the way how he shouts out Maria is very emotional. 😊

[@TheShockVox]

Still my favorite voice for Shadow to this day

[@Superkrunktone]

The real shadow

[@GtotheNextLevel]

The *realest* shadow

[@starpop409]

I loooveeeee David. Sonic heroes was my first game and his voice for shadow inspired my whole life 😂 ❤❤❤

[@thehumbleone1983]

Great to see the real voice actor of Shadow this was a good interview 👍🏻 G

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Thank you! Got interviews with Ryan Drummond and Scott Dreier coming up soon.

[@GalaxiePerfect]

Should've asked what it was like acting with Deem Bristow! 'Cause I don't think there even is an interview with him... I'd love to hear what Humphrey had to say about him.

[@onlygoodgamesofficial]

Sa2 is the real voices for all the characters don't care what anyone says!

[@Sinsationel789]

Am I the only one who got goosebumps when he said “ Chaos Control”

[@GtotheNextLevel]

I did and I was there!

[@sonnyruffini4155]

Davide Humphrey is Shadow, the calm of someone who knows he is stronger and more intelligent than others, a cold calculator, a wickedness of more effective perfidy but despite this it is as David himself says, there is heart in Shadow he is not ruthless because of Maria's memories, David was perfect because he fit perfectly both in the face and in the Voice acting, he is the only one who managed to give in addition to what I have already said a sense of melancholy, misteriosly. Unfortunately when I was little in my area they didn't see the SEGA Dreamcast and I didn't have the GameCube in fact I missed Sonic Adventure 2, I only got to know him on Sonic Heroes and I already liked him too much for how he was in there, then luckily I recovered later, I like him so much that in Sonic Adventure 2 I kept the English dubbing and not Japanese, to make you understand how much I like him. In Shadow the Hedgehog I had already noticed that the voice had changed and as much as I liked Jason Griffith, David was unmatched on Shadow.

[@hybridgohan]

He's the coolest

[@reginlief1]

…hearing that he sings makes me DESPERATELY want to know how he sounds and if he could do any of SA2’s lyrical themes for shadow…

[@graptakular]

Another great interview! Will we ever get all the Shadows together in one place?

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Well I know three of them will be at Sonic Expo this Year! (Jason, Kirk, and David)

[@ArcaneStrain]

I wish they brought him back for Shadow Generations, would’ve been perfect

[@swisserty]

9:55 curious that he drunkard so whiskey

[@tetsuyatsurugi9250]

He still sounds good as Shadow in S&T R Episode X

[@GtotheNextLevel]

I still haven’t seen that yet!

[@Rannchan]

Love it!

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Thank you!! And of course thank you for your help~

[@Icylovetunes]

OUR OGGG omg

[@DK-pv8wn]

Awesome interview 😍

[@joshuahelmeke]

That is really wild, man! 😎

[@GtotheNextLevel]

Totally! It was so cool hearing his story of humble beginnings to iconic voice.

[@AizaBreathe]

David Humphrey 😭😭😭😭😭 i love him as Shadow

[@RedemptionPS3]

I grew up with Jason Griffith’s shadow but David is such a icon, and I adore him as shadow, I kinda wish he voiced shadow in more sonic games instead of just sa2 and heroes

[@chiefcoiler]

Hear me out... he looks like Tim Allen... imagine shadow doing the home improvement grunt.