Interview with Yuri Lowenthal on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: A Deeper Look into the Character of Peter Parker

PlayStation LifeStyle recently had the chance to sit down and chat with Yuri Lowenthal, the talented voice actor behind the iconic character of Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games. In this interview, Lowenthal opens up about his experience voicing Peter Parker throughout the years, as well as his role in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now available on the PlayStation 5.

Challenges of Voicing a Video Game Character

Lowenthal acknowledges that voicing Peter Parker for hours in a video game presents unique challenges compared to a movie or TV-length performance. However, instead of viewing it as a challenge, he considers it a gift. Lowenthal explains that the extended amount of time players spend with the character allows for a deeper bond to form, thanks to the incredible writing and storytelling of Insomniac Games. He emphasizes the importance of the human moments in the game, not just the action-packed sequences, as they contribute to creating a meaningful relationship with the character.

The Benefits of Motion Capture

Motion capture has played a crucial role in capturing the essence of Peter Parker. Lowenthal expresses his enthusiasm for the performance capture process, which allows actors to react off of each other in real-time, similar to a stage play. He believes that this collaborative approach enhances the performances and brings a certain magic to the game. Lowenthal credits the motion capture experience for achieving the level of authenticity and depth seen in the first game, and he hopes that players will witness the same in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

The Chemistry with Nadji Jeter

Lowenthal speaks highly of his co-star, Nadji Jeter, who portrays the character Miles Morales. He describes their chemistry as something that happened naturally, both on and off-camera. The parallel between their real-life relationship and the dynamic between the characters adds an organic depth to their performances. Lowenthal humbly acknowledges that their compatibility might have been a stroke of luck, as opposed to an intentional casting decision.

Evolution of Voicing Peter Parker

Lowenthal reflects on how voicing Peter Parker has evolved since the 2018 game and Miles Morales. He acknowledges that both the character and himself as an actor have changed over time, which naturally influences his performance. In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Lowenthal explains that Peter faces different challenges, especially in his relationship with the symbiote. He found it difficult to shift Peter from his usual selfless nature to a more selfish version of the character, noting how emotionally draining it was to play this conflicted side of Spider-Man.

Across the Spider-Verse

Lowenthal also had the opportunity to voice Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. He mentions that he essentially brought the same version of the character from the game to the film. Lowenthal had a great time working with Phil Lord, the film’s director, and was given creative freedom to improvise lines and contribute to the character’s humor. While some of the improvised lines didn’t make the final cut, the experience was both fun and rewarding.