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She’s starred in mainstream comedy hits like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat” but Kristen Bell has serious geek credentials dating back to her titular role on TV’s “Veronica Mars.” Her fanboy allure only increased with roles in TV’s “Heroes” and the video game “Assassin’s Creed.” She even starred in a movie called “Fanboys.”
Now her journey to the geek side seems complete. Besides providing a voice for the recently released “Astro Boy” movie and video game spin-off, she’s also reprising the role of Lucy in “Assassin’s Creed 2” (due out Nov. 17 on the 360 and PS3, and next year on PC).
Why she didn’t use the force to get out of talking to us about these two very different roles is a mystery even Ms. Mars couldn’t solve.
You’ve got an active voiceover career going, including the narration on “Gossip Girl.” How is voicing a video game character different from that?
“Gossip Girl” is fun because it’s more of a character—she’s very snarky and catty—which is fun to play. The video games include a lot of effort sounds, sounds you have to make when your character is moving around to give them more life. It’s funny to be in a booth by yourself huffing and puffing.
Your “Astro Boy” character, Cora, is a human who befriends the robot hero. Can we assume that your involvement is an endorsement of human/robot relations?
Absolutely. In fact I’ve often wished my actual friends were robots. [That way] I could remove their batteries.
Unlike Cora, Lucy in “Assassin’s Creed” is supposed to look like you. Do you think she does?
[Laughs] I thought she looked like me pretty much, but I think she has a hunch back. I hope my posture is better than that.
How often do you play video games yourself?
I played a lot growing up, but I haven’t had much time lately. I like racing games the most. Throw some old school “Mario Kart” at me and I'll be just fine.
What about the first “Assassin’s Creed”?
No, I think it’s way too intense for me.
You like to joke that you’re queen of the geeks. But are you actually a geek, or do you just play one on TV?
I don’t know, really. I’d definitely say I’m not that cool. If that makes me a geek then bring it on.
Check out photos of Kristen Bell and her roles in "Assassin's Creed," "Astro Boy" and "Couples Retreat."
