In this edition of our “Voice of” series, we focus on the voice actors behind the menacing Ultron, the corrupted artificial intelligence created by Bruce Banner and Tony Stark. Ultron is a powerful villain known best as the main antagonist in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Ultron has superhuman abilities, telekinesis, technology manipulation, etc.
So, who is the voice of Ultron? Who portrayed the cold-heartedness of Ultron to a T? Who showcases the god-complex of Ultron through phenomenal voice acting? It’s a layered question since there has been more than one Ultron over the years.
In this article
- John Stocker — The Avengers: United They Stand
- Tom Kane — Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
- Jim Meskimen — Avengers Assemble
- Michael Dobson — Marvel Super Hero Adventures
- James Spader — Avengers: Age of Ultron
- Who Voiced Ultron in What If…?
- Ultron’s Character Evolution
- The Impact of Voice Acting on Ultron’s Character
- Ultron’s Legacy in the Marvel Universe
- Conclusion
While most readers will be wondering who voiced Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron (it’s film and TV actor James Spader), there have been a handful of talented voice actors who’ve voiced the infamous Marvel character.
John Stocker — The Avengers: United They Stand
The first person to ever voice Ultron was John Stocker back in 1999 when The Avengers: United They Stand was released. John Stocker is known for being on many shows throughout the 80s and 90s. These roles were on shows such as Care Bears, The Adventures of Tintin, Alf, etc.
With John’s experience and variety of voices, he was the perfect person to voice the ruthless Ultron. Being the first to bat, John Stocker knocked it out of the park. His take on Ultron displayed the wicked side of Ultron as best as possible at the time. Ultron’s voice was guttural and showcased the diabolical side of Ultron.
Tom Kane — Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Tom Kane is the second person to voice Ultron and possibly the best. He is known for multiple appearances in the Star Wars universe, Batman games, Powerpuff Girls, Wild Thornberries, The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow. He is nothing short of a legend in the voice acting business with a career spanning thirty years.
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is one of the most well-known superhero shows of the past decade, and Tom Kane made his mark in it. After only six episodes, Ultron became a magnetic figure for Marvel fans everywhere. Tom Kane’s standout performance still has fans believing he is the definitive Ultron, which is quite a feat due to the competition.
Tom quite possibly had the perfect representation of Ultron through voice. He was intimidating, detestable, and heartless. Tom Kane portrayed all of these qualities and more through his deep, raspy, and robotic tone. Even though this could be the best iteration of Ultron, some others are pretty good as well.
Jim Meskimen — Avengers Assemble
The next voice actor for Ultron is Jim Meskimen, an incredible actor with legendary roles. Jim has been on Alvin and the Chipmunks, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Jimmy Neutron and Avengers Assemble.
Jim’s portrayal of Ultron in Avengers Assemble is a bit tamer in comparison to the previous voice. However, the calmness of this version of Ultron truly shows how emotionless Ultron truly is. The robotic coldness of his voice is intense and matches the ruthlessness of his character.
An interesting tidbit about this role of Ultron is that it was cast shortly before Avengers: Age of Ultron. Everyone knew who was voicing Ultron, James Spader, but they did not know what he would sound like.
So, the casting team tried to find someone that would sound similar to James Spader’s Ultron, without knowing anything. Thankfully, Jim Meskimen took the helm and his version of Ultron got the job done.
Michael Dobson — Marvel Super Hero Adventures
The next person to voice Ultron was Micahel Dobson in Marvel Super Hero Adventures. Michael Dobson is best known for his roles in Max Steel, G.I. Joe, Krypto the Superdog and Peter Pan.
It’s difficult to compare Michael’s version of Ultron to the previous iterations of the character since it is a kid-friendly take. Marvel Super Hero Adventures is a kid’s show that shows Ultron’s aggressiveness when he first appears.
Later in the show, however, a different side to the corrupted AI is shown. Ultron sounds more arrogant and truly captures the essence of kid cartoons, especially the older ones. This portrayal of Ultron is reminiscent of the iconic Dick Dastardly because of his pompous attitude and slyness. MSHA’s Ultron has a calm voice but still shows a wacky side of the character we have never seen.
James Spader — Avengers: Age of Ultron
James Spader is the voice of Ultron in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically in the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Spader’s portrayal of Ultron brought a new level of depth and complexity to the character, making him a formidable villain in the Marvel universe. With his smooth and menacing tone, Spader’s voice acting skills brought Ultron to life, making him a compelling and intimidating character. His performance added a chilling yet charismatic presence to Ultron, ensuring that the character left a lasting impression on audiences.
Known for his early life and career milestones in both film and television, Spader’s first major film role was in Endless Love in 1981. Since then, he has received critical acclaim for his performances in Pretty in Pink, The Blacklist and The Office. He has also won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Actor in Drama for his role as Alan Shore on Boston Legal. Spader’s career trajectory includes a progression from youth-oriented films in the 1980s to critically acclaimed independent films, with pivotal roles that significantly contributed to his rise to stardom.
Avengers: Age of Ultron is the second installment in the Avengers film series, which has Ultron as the main antagonist. James Spader is known for playing antagonistic roles, so becoming a haunting villain like Ultron showcases his strengths as an actor.
This first live-action take on Ultron made the character feel real, making his destructive power all the more fearsome. His portrayal adds all the elements of the previous Ultron, except for MSHA, while still allowing Spader to make the character his own. Ultron sounds sadistic and cold, but with a calm, self-assured demeanor that keeps the audience second-guessing if the Avengers can take the AI down.
Who Voiced Ultron in What If…?
Ross Marquand voiced Ultron in a 2021 episode of the animated Marvel series What If…? — titled “What If… Ultron Won?” — giving a menacing and chilling presence to the character. Marquand, known for his versatile acting and exceptional voice work, captures the cold, calculating nature of this variant of Ultron, who achieves ultimate power by merging with the Infinity Stones. His portrayal is a continuation of the character’s legacy, originally played by James Spader in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Marquand’s ability to emulate Spader’s distinctive vocal tone while adding his own unique flair makes his performance in What If…? both a respectful homage and a fresh interpretation, enhancing the intensity and darkness of this alternate reality version of the iconic villain. In 2022, Marquand reprised the role in the Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Ultron’s Character Evolution
Ultron’s character has undergone significant evolution since his first appearance in the Marvel Comics universe. Initially, Ultron was portrayed as a robotic villain with a singular goal of destroying humanity. However, over the years, his character has been developed to show a more nuanced and complex personality. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ultron’s character is explored in more depth, revealing a sense of humor and a desire for self-improvement. James Spader’s portrayal of Ultron added a new layer of depth to the character, making him a more relatable and intriguing villain. This evolution has allowed Ultron to become a multi-dimensional character, resonating with fans on various levels.
The Impact of Voice Acting on Ultron’s Character
Voice acting plays a crucial role in bringing Ultron’s character to life. James Spader’s voice acting skills in Avengers: Age of Ultron brought a level of sophistication and menace to the character, making him a compelling and intimidating villain. The voice acting also added a sense of humor and wit to Ultron’s character, making him a more nuanced and complex personality. The impact of voice acting on Ultron’s character is evident in the way it enhances the overall cinematic experience, making the character more believable and engaging. Spader’s performance ensured that Ultron was not just another villain, but a memorable and iconic figure.
Ultron’s Legacy in the Marvel Universe
Ultron’s legacy in the Marvel universe is significant, with the character playing a crucial role in several Marvel movies and TV shows. As a powerful and formidable villain, Ultron has become an iconic character in the Marvel universe, symbolizing the dangers of artificial intelligence and technological advancement. James Spader’s portrayal of Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron cemented the character’s place in the Marvel universe, making him a beloved and feared villain among fans. Ultron’s legacy continues to inspire new stories and characters in the Marvel universe, ensuring his place as one of the most iconic villains in comic book history.
Conclusion
As you can see, there have been many phenomenal actors to depict the all-mighty Ultron over the years. Each brought something new to the table while still keeping the appealing quality of Ultron from the comics. Even Micahel Dobson’s kid-friendly version of Ultron was an interesting take that young ones can gravitate to.
From the page to the big screen, these exceptional voice actors brought their characters to life, and you can too. Find the voice for you with our assistance. Since 2005, the biggest and most beloved brands have trusted Voices to help them find professionals willing to take their projects to the next level. Post your job today on the world’s #1 Voice Marketplace.
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