Disclaimer: Disney*Pixar, Disney Channel and Disney XD sent me to Los Angeles on an all-expenses paid trip, in exchange for my coverage of these events, which included the FINDING DORY red carpet world premiere and this interview with Albert Brooks and Hayden Rolence. All opinions are my own.
Photos by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
It’s hard to believe it’s been 13 years since we first fell in love with Marlin and Nemo, the father-son duo from the Academy Award Winning animated movie, FINDING NEMO. It was through a tearful scene that I discovered their story, never imagining a day would come where I would get to interview them. But there I was, about to begin an interview with Albert Brooks & Hayden Rolence. Marlin and Nemo.
photo credit to Sara Lundberg / BudgetSavvyDiva.com
Albert Brooks (voice of “Marlin”) & Hayden Rolence (voice of “Nemo”)
I guess it’s only fitting that I’m sitting here writing this article about Marlin and Nemo on Father’s Day.
As I think about Marlin as a father (in both the original movie and in the new Disney hit which has broken all records for highest opening weekend EVER for an animated film), I see a version of myself. A worrier.
When tragedy hits, it tends to do a number of things, and worry is a natural side effect. We all understood why Marlin was so protective of Nemo. Tragedy had hit home and it was just the two of them against the world. It would be so much easier to just stay inside, stay home and never risk anything. Or would it?
While I could certainly relate to Marlin, having lost my mom so unexpectedly, would Albert Brooks relate to his character? He was asked.
Albert said, “Well, when my children were younger I worried more. Now I worry less and I pay more.” He’s always a comedian, that guy! He continued, “I’m a worrier, but I mean, not as much as Marlin. Nobody can worry as much as Marlin.” He might be right about that. In FINDING DORY, I really noticed the worry lines on Marlin’s forehead.
Slipping back into the role was surprisingly easy. Albert said, “I’m telling you, it happens in about twenty seconds. Because they didn’t age the character. So, as long as you’ve got your wits about you, you can do it. It’s like no time passed. But if they’re going to make a third one, they better hurry up because he (Hayden Rolence) won’t get a job, and I’ll have to have a wheelchair.”
Speaking of Hayden Rolence, let me introduce you to Nemo. At age 12, he wasn’t even born at the time of FINDING NEMO’s release, but this actor has made a splash onto the big screen, replacing Alexander Gould as Nemo.
I’ll be honest, when I first heard Nemo at the premiere of FINDING DORY, I went back in time. His voice is perfect, and we were curious, how did he get the part?
Hayden told us, “I did watch Finding Nemo a lot, just to sort of get myself prepared for trying to make my voice sound like Nemo. Because I live in Illinois I had to send in a tape, rather than audition, so I was able to just watch the movie, then practice the scene, and watch the movie and practice the scene. And I did that over and over again. And then finally I was able to make my voice sort of sound like Nemo.”
I don’t know about you, but I never imagined that’s how Disney*Pixar would find their Nemo. Albert Brooks was surprised as well – he didn’t have a clue.
As surprised as I was about how this Illinois boy got the role of Nemo, I was more surprised by how grown-up he was during the interview.
Hayden talked about the biggest challenge facing him in this role. He said, “The biggest challenge was probably knowing that Nemo was already a character and knowing that I wanted to do him justice. And I didn’t want any disappointment.”
Yes, I think this kid was ready for Hollywood. John Lasseter has found himself a new Disney*Pixar star!
Before this interview, I actually had the chance to meet Hayden Rolence…on the red (ahem, blue) carpet! He happened to be enjoying the after-party with his family and was kind enough to pose for a quick selfie with me.
I can only imagine what a night like the FINDING DORY world premiere was like for him, knowing how overwhelmingly wonderful it always is for me. So…when given the opportunity during this interview, I asked him just that.
Hayden told me it was his very first premiere so he was really excited and also a bit nervous. This was the first time either Hayden or Albert had seen the movie, so he was really excited. Ever the comedian, Albert said, “No other premiers are like that, trust me. They never take over whole streets.” And take over an entire street they did…you have seen my red carpet premiere post, right?
photo credit to Sara Lundberg / BudgetSavvyDiva.com
It’s hard to believe that voice actors sometimes see the film for the very first time at the premiere, but that really is often the case, as with Albert Brooks and Hayden Rolence in FINDING DORY.
Albert was amazed at one particular scene (I’ll use his descriptions but won’t spoil it for you). He said, “It looked like another planet and it had so much emotion in that one image. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, it was gorgeous. And I didn’t know that it was there and I actually am sitting in the audience and she’s swimming through that murky water and I’m wondering, wel,l they left the action, where are they going…and it was just the most beautiful thing in the movie. And a couple of my jokes.”
And Marlin…was he still the worrier in FINDING DORY?
Albert says, “I sort of thought Marlin was a little wiser and a little more warmer. Because he wasn’t so panicked.”
What a thrill to be able to interview Marlin and Nemo!
Be sure to come back every day this week for more blog posts on the trip and check out these already done:
- Like FINDING DORY on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarFindingDory
- Follow FINDING DORY on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingDory
- Follow Disney/Pixar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PixarFindingDory/
- Follow Disney Studios on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/finding-dory/
- Visit Disney/Pixar on Tumblr: http://disneypixar.tumblr.com
- Visit the official FINDING DORY website here: https://disney.com/findingdory
FINDING DORY now playing in theatres everywhere!
What a fun interview experience! I know the opening scene in Finding Nemo forever touched my heart, so it’s cool to get a look at the people behind the characters.
I have always love the Finding Nemo movie and Finding Dory is one I can’t wait to see. My niece’s kids are going to love this one because they love finding Nemo. Thanks for sharing this awesome interview.
I loved the movie Finding Nemo. I have seen the trailer for this one and am looking forward to seeing it.
I’m so jealous. This looks like such a blast. I can’t wait to see the film. My girlfriends and I are going to make it a girls night.
What a kick! I’ve chatted with celebrities but never in an interview setting. It simply has to be invigorating.
I have to disagree with Albert on one point though. He said no one worries as much as Marlin. My boys and grands would be the first to tell him that I do. I’m a worrier. My boys will say “It’s what you do!”