Todd Haberkorn Exclusive: Resident Evil, Anime & Voice Acting Insights

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Voice acting legend Todd Haberkorn (Fairy Tail's Natsu, Resident Evil's Murphy) shares exclusive insights from his 20+ year career in this revealing interview. After analyzing his podcast appearance, we uncover his experiences with Capcom's mocap sessions, the truth behind RE3's cut content, and his philosophy on bringing heroes and villains to life. Discover why industry professionals consider him an authority in game localization and character performance.

Behind Resident Evil's Voice Work

Haberkorn's role as Murphy in Resident Evil 3 originally involved mocap work in Japan before budget cuts reduced his involvement. "They reduced Murphy's part for fiscal reasons," he reveals, explaining how script rewrites impacted the character's screen time. His zombie vocalizations in RE2 Remake required intense physicality: "My whole body's into it - transmogrifying into the undead full lights on while engineers watch."

For Devil May Cry 5's creature voices, he developed distinct approaches: "Zombies demand guttural textures while demons need layered vocal distortions." Haberkorn emphasizes Capcom's meticulous direction, where each growl carried specific narrative meaning.

Anime Legacy and Character Crafting

With 328 episodes as Fairy Tail's Natsu across 10 years, Haberkorn discusses the role's cultural impact: "People name businesses after Fairy Tail dialogue and tattoo characters permanently." When comparing heroes versus villains, he notes: "Villains break rules creatively while heroes follow moral codes - both offer unique challenges."

His methodology includes:

• Physical embodiment even during voice-only sessions
• Psychological profiling for characters like Tokyo Ghoul's Ayato
• Guttural experimentation for creature roles

Convention Experiences and Industry Evolution

Having done 200+ convention appearances, Haberkorn observes: "Fan enthusiasm remains constant globally - they'll travel hours, wait in 9-hour signing lines to connect over shared passions." He highlights Australia's Supernova and Seattle's Sakuracon as standout events.

Regarding anime's rising prominence, he notes: "VO actors now pursue anime roles they once overlooked - the medium's creative freedom attracts top talent." His directing philosophy focuses on discovering untapped potential: "I cast actors against type, often hearing 'No one ever casts me like this!'"

Voice Acting Career Advice

Haberkorn offers blunt guidance for aspiring VAs: "Convention panels won't sustain you through career volatility." He emphasizes foundational work:

1. Formal training in acting techniques
2. Non-union projects for technical experience
3. Business acumen for contract navigation
4. Physical endurance for 12-hour sessions

"This career involves spreadsheets and deadlines like any other," he cautions, debunking glamorized perceptions. His personal journey began with grocery store jobs before landing his breakthrough role at 17.

Gaming Passions and Future Projects

An avid gamer, Haberkorn currently obsesses over Animal Crossing debt management while maintaining a 1,000+ physical game library. He reveals upcoming roles in Netflix's Altered Carbon: Resleeved and Transformers series, plus directing work on Cartoon Network's Power Players.

Pro tip: He recommends collecting Wii and original Xbox games for hidden gems at bargain prices.

Actionable checklist for voice actors:

1. Join CastingCallClub for fan project experience
2. Study animation timing with old cartoons
3. Record daily vocal range exercises
4. Analyze screen performances for physicality cues
5. Attend industry workshops for networking

Recommended resources:

• Voice Over Voice Actor by Yuri Lowenthal (book)
• iZotope RX for home studio cleanup (software)
• BehindTheVoiceActors.com (community)

Conclusion

Todd Haberkorn's career exemplifies how technical skill, creative risk-taking, and professional adaptability build lasting success in voice acting. His Resident Evil insights reveal gaming's collaborative nature while his anime stories demonstrate storytelling's cultural impact.

"When trying the methods above, which technique feels most challenging for your voice type? Share your approach in the comments!"