In Legion of Super-Heroes, Supergirl ventures to the 31st century to find answers to her present-day dilemmas, only to encounter new problems and an old enemy. The movie, which is an action-packed delight, is coming to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on February 7 from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.
Struggling to adjust to her new life on Earth, Supergirl leaves her and Superman's space-time to attend the Legion Academy. There, she quickly makes new friends, as well as a new enemy with old ties: Brainiac 5. However, a nefarious plot lurks in the shadows as the mysterious group known as the Dark Circle seeks a powerful weapon held in the Academy's vault!
Meg Donnelly and Harry Shum Jr. lead a star-studded cast as the voices of Supergirl/Kara and Brainiac 5, and among the impressive ensemble is Zeno Robinson (Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons) as Invisible Kid.
A fun addition to this adventure, the character makes a lasting impact and is brought to life brilliantly by the actor. Earlier this month, we spoke with Zeno about what it meant to him to join Legion of Super-Heroes, gaining some fascinating insights into how he approached the character, what fans can expect from the hero, and even his hopes for the future.
Robinson also shares why Static Shock would be his dream role and briefly reflects on what it meant to him to be given the chance to play Jimmy Olsen last year in the DCAU's first-ever all-CG, animated feature.
Check out our full conversation with the Legion of Super-Heroes star below.
You’ve voiced characters like Cyborg and Jimmy Olsen in the DC Universe, but what was it about Invisible Kid that really grabbed your attention when Legion of Super-Heroes came your way?
I think the thing that jumped out to me most about Invisible Kid is that, as a fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes, I was really excited to play in that world. All my work in DC so far has been in the present day, so getting to play an eager Legionairre in training was a really cool, fresh twist on what I usually play in this world. I grew up with the TV show, so it was a cool thing for my inner child to play in that universe.
Are you someone who does a lot of preparation for roles like this one by turning to the comics or do you like to discover these characters in the booth?
I’ll often take to the comics or the internet to study. I’m a big comic book fan, but I didn’t know the Invisible Kid was when it was handed to me so I said, ‘Who is this character that I haven’t heard of yet?’ It’s always fascinating for me to find out about new characters and new corners of the DC Universe that I haven’t explored yet. I like to think that I’m pretty well-versed in the DC Universe, but I did do research for this one to get a better feel of his powerset and personality.
There’s a great subplot that runs throughout the movie about Invisible Kid mastering his powers, but what about that was the most fun for you to explore?
I always love a good underdog story, and that’s very much what these Legionnaires feel like. While the Legion of Super-Heroes looks up to Superman and his legacy, Invisible Kid and his friends look up to the Legion! It’s fun playing one of these kids that wants to prove himself as a Legionairre while going through growing pains and all these challenges. As a story of perspective, it was really enjoyable for me because I love those types of stories and I loved leaning into that and watching that arc.
When it came to the role Invisible Kid plays in this story alongside characters like Supergirl and Brainiac 5, what do you think makes him a good hero to have in this mix of these fun and obscure DC Comics Legionaries?
I think it’s good because it gives Invisible Kid the chance to stand in the spotlight. He can be utilised more in this movie and he’s a very bright, energetic, funny, witty, and charming guy…in an awkward way. It’s great to have these obscure characters among these bigger characters because they can be appreciated and utilised more which does happen when they’re given the chance to step into the spotlight.
You also voice Brainiac 3 in the movie, so can you talk about how your approach to that character differed and what it was like playing the iconic villain, albeit briefly?
It was cool! I was really surprised when they said, ‘Oh, you’re also playing Brainiac 3.’ I was like, ‘Whoa!’ [Laughs] As I said, I’m a big fan of the universe and shows, so I really tried to approach it from that perspective of how I could honour this character and what’s happening to him in this moment. Just the brief time I got to live in that was really, really cool.
Would you say the old cliché about it being more fun to play a villain is true?
[Laughs] For me? No! I love playing the hero, honestly. A lot of the times I’ve played a villain, I feel like I’m not mean and intimidating enough. It’s hard to get me to that point…playing a hero comes to me a little easier. I’m one of those people who don’t like playing a villain because I’ll say, ‘Aww, that was mean.’ [Laughs]
What did it mean to you to play an iconic Superman supporting character like Jimmy Olsen in Battle of the Super Sons last year?
I thought [the movie] was amazing. The art style and character designs were really cool and getting to step into the shoes of an iconic character like Jimmy Olsen who is best friends with Superman and Lois was an honour. It was an honour to even be asked to do such a monumental role and I really tried to give it my all and lean into it. Getting to step into those shoes was a blessing.
When you’re in the recording booth doing action scenes, are you someone who gets quite physical delivering your performance?
I’m 100% one of those actors that have to throw a punch and hits the mic stand on accident! I’m so physical and active, and I think it brings a level of realism to the character and moment, and the truth of the scene. Also, it’s the closest thing I’ll get to actually being a superhero, so I give myself fully to that moment…it’s fun for me to pretend to I’m actually fighting a supervillain! I’ll usually be out of breath or have lost my voice [Laughs] on multiple projects. I definitely like to get physical a lot.
There’s so much potential with this Legion of Super-Heroes franchise; should you get the chance to return, do you have any thoughts on what you’d like to do with Invisible Kid as a possible member of the Legion?
I’d love to see what happens when this group of kids goes on their first mission. If they ever become full Legionnaires, and you know how these movies go, something will happen and that will turn into a mission they’re not prepared for where they’re in over their heads. How do they handle that, save the day, stay calm under the press, and potentially break up before coming together? Invisible Kid’s powers are really interesting, but what other spins can we put on that and in what other ways can they evolve? The applications of them in recon, stealth, and in the comics, I think he even had some kind of telekinesis at some point. Stuff like that. How does he evolve now that he’s gotten what he’s wanted?
There are so many great characters in the DC Universe, but are there any you have in mind who would be a dream role for you in a future project?
I’m always happy to take it one project at a time, but I would be a liar [Laughs] if I didn’t say my dream role in the DCU is Static. He helped me become aware of my biracial identity and helped me see myself in superheroes, and he hasn’t been voiced in a really long time. If Phil LaMarr was willing to pass the mantle, I would love to give my heart and soul to Static.
The power to turn invisible is one people always talk about when it comes to the superpower they want, but what do you think you’d do with Invisible Kid’s skillset?
[Laughs] If I had his powers…you know, my immediate thought was to disappear and take a nap for a really long time, but I feel like I would worry a lot of people. Maybe not that. I don’t know. I feel like all invisible powers would be for sneaking. Maybe I’d leave a party I don’t like or something [Laughs].
Legion of Super-Heroes is set to be released on February 7.