Though voice actor Jim Cummings has voiced countless characters over the course of his illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, I think it’s safe to say that most fans associate him with Disney and for good reason. If you watched any Disney animated television or animated feature in the ’90s, chances are you heard Cummings’ voice in any number of projects whether it was Ed the hyena in the cinematic masterpiece The Lion King or the terror that flaps in the night better known as Darkwing Duck. Without a doubt though, the two characters that he’s probably made his claim to fame at Disney are Winnie the Pooh and Pete perennial nemesis for Mickey Mouse and friends.
All these years later, Cummings is still going strong. In the new faith-based film The King of Kings, out now in theaters, Cummings plays multiple roles including Pharisee Hillel, Dismas and James the Greater. Ahead of the film’s release, we had the pleasure of chatting with Cummings not only about The King of Kings as well as the legacy of A Goofy Movie which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Taimur Dar: Given the long production time for animated feature films, I’m tempted to assume this was during lockdown. I’m curious if you recorded this in the studio or at home?
Jim Cummings: I went into the studio. A lot of it was done before COVID. You always go back right at the end and do some looping or whatever is required for the final cut.
Taimur Dar: I know the vast majority of animated feature films record the actors by themselves as opposed to ensemble recordings. Was that the case for The King of Kings?
Jim Cummings: Correct. That’s usually the way it is. It’s not my preference. Due to scheduling and as you said COVID, there were restrictions. But it doesn’t suffer, that’s for sure.
Q: I believe the character of Ray the firefly from The Princess and the Frog is among your favorite roles. Incidentally, Rob Edwards who wrote that film is also involved in The King of Kings. Did you get a chance to connect during production?
Jim Cummings: We didn’t run into each other this time around. But if he writes it, I love to be there.
Taimur Dar: It’s fairly easy to tell as a voice actor you’ve developed close working relationships with different voice actors across numerous projects such as Ginny McSwain and Andrea Romano. I would also include Jamie Thomason the voice director and producer on The King of Kings. How has working with Thomason developed over time?
Jim Cummings: He’s an old pal of mine. We go way, way back. I believe when I started in the business, so did he. We met literally almost forty years ago. He’s a great guy. We’ve worked together and meld and get each other.
Taimur Dar: You play multiple roles in the film. Were you cast in those roles from the beginning or were you considered for other characters?
Jim Cummings: They had me audition and read for different things. And then they place you where they think you’ll do the best. I was very happy. I think my favorite [character] would be the fact that Jesus cured my blindness. I said it before, I used to be an alter boy. Playing a part in this incredible project is like a dream come
Q: A lot of actors often find themselves getting pigeonholed. For instance, ever since Breaking Bad, Giancarlo Esposito is the go-to actor for villains. You’re obviously no stranger to playing bad guys, but you’ve played all sorts of different roles during your career. At any point in your voiceover career did you ever feel pigeonholed?
Jim Cummings: If I’m pigeonholed, it means that I’m pigeonholed into playing very good guys like Winnie the Pooh or Darkwing Duck. Or really bad guys like Tasmanian Devil. I can name you a few other villains like Pete the cat from good old Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He’s not really a bad guy but he sure isn’t necessarily a good guy. He provides friction. That’s truly the fun for me. I enjoy it all. I’ll do anything if it’s in me and they’ll hire me.
Taimur Dar: Since you just mentioned the character of Pete, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss A Goofy Movie. It’s definitely back in the zeitgeist largely due to this year marking the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie and the Just a Goof documentary. Why do you think the film still resonates decades later?
Jim Cummings: It’s part buddy movie and also a father/son movie. It really reaches across the whole span. Everybody loves a good bonding of a father and son especially at a time in a life when the boy is turning into a young man and teenager. There’s rebellion and friction. You’re always going to be embarrassed about your parents when you’re at a certain age. Can you imagine how embarrassed you’d be if your dad was literally named Goofy? It was nice because they ended up bonding. It was very sweet and tastefully done. I think that’s why it stands the test of time. If it resonates and true and heartfelt, it will last. Obviously, this one has.
Taimur Dar: What does the film The King of Kings mean to you?
Jim Cummings: It’s been called literally the greatest story ever told. As far as what it means to me, it kind of means everything. It’s the story of the son of God who came to be among us and show us the way and gave his life so that we may be saved. It’s an honor to be involved.
Taimur Dar: Finally, any projects you want to plug for our readers?
Jim Cummings: I did want to mention that I’ve got a podcast called Toon’d In with Jim Cummings. I want to make sure that everybody knows about that. Be on the look out for the terror that flaps in the night!
The King of Kings is now in theaters.
