Vic Michaelis on Portraying Runa in 'Star Wars Zero Company' and Her Galactic Aspirations

Vic Michaelis, a beloved personality from Dropout, has made a remarkable transition from a devoted fan of the Star Wars prequels to an integral part of the expansive Star Wars universe. Reflecting on their deep affection for 'Attack of the Clones' as a comfort film, Michaelis reveals a journey where their personal connection to the saga now includes a starring role. Their portrayal of Runa Blask in 'Star Wars Zero Company' highlights a character whose witty remarks and strong presence have resonated deeply with audiences.

Vic Michaelis Shares Journey from Fan to Star in 'Star Wars Zero Company'

Vic Michaelis, a familiar face from the Dropout streaming platform, recently sat down to discuss their latest venture into the galaxy far, far away. Known for their diverse acting background in improv comedy, film, and scripted television, Michaelis has now lent their voice and talent to the world of video games, embodying the character Runa Blask in 'Star Wars Zero Company.' This marks their inaugural video game role, a step Michaelis initially approached with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, particularly due to the magnitude of the Star Wars franchise.

In 'Star Wars Zero Company,' Michaelis breathes life into Runa Blask, the quick-witted advisor to Captain Hawks' mercenary crew. Despite initial fears, the development team at Bit Reactor specifically sought Michaelis for the role, recognizing their unique talent from their Dropout performances. Michaelis emphasizes that while their improv experience heavily informs their acting, the character's memorable lines, including the frequent use of the term 'wizard' as a synonym for 'cool,' were meticulously crafted by the game's writers. Runa's humor and dynamic with Captain Hawks have captivated fans, earning her a special place in their hearts, even if some jokingly wish they could 'throw her out a window,' a sentiment Michaelis understands as a form of affectionate 'big sister vibes.'

Notably, Runa holds a unique position within the game's narrative: she is immune to the permadeath feature that affects other characters. Remaining safely within Zero Company's headquarters, The Den, Runa avoids the combat missions undertaken by other operators. Michaelis playfully admitted to a touch of envy for the emotional responses fans exhibit when other characters face permadeath. Before joining Zero Company, Runa was a 'freelance consultant' for the galaxy's elite, acting as a Separatist financial fixer. Her aspirations for immense wealth, like owning a moon and running a resort, stand in contrast to Michaelis' more grounded Star Wars fantasy: opening a bookstore and comedy club, only to be inadvertently drawn into galactic politics due to bureaucratic hurdles over staging a comedy night.

Reflecting on Galactic Ambitions and Storytelling Potential

Michaelis' journey from a casual viewer of Star Wars to an active participant within its narrative underscores the enduring appeal and boundless opportunities for new storytelling within this iconic universe. Their personal anecdote about navigating galactic bureaucracy to host a comedy night provides a refreshing and relatable perspective, illustrating that even in a galaxy defined by epic conflicts, everyday struggles and humorous situations can create compelling narratives. It inspires us to consider the unexplored corners of the Star Wars saga, where unexpected heroes and charmingly mundane ambitions could blossom into new beloved tales.