Review Fix Exclusive: Sean Schmmel Talks ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods’

“Dragon Ball Z” is one of the most beloved anime’s to ever hit stateside. It’s non-stop action and characters forever left it’s mark on audiences and still manages to conjure up an excitement level over 9000 whenever a new “Dragon Ball Z” project is announced.

That excitement went god mode when it was announced “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods,” a new feature film, would be coming to the US theaters. The film, which is now on Blu Ray and VOD platforms, pits Goku against a deity, the god of destruction. To defeat this new threat, Goku must tap into god mode—if there is one man right for the job in bringing Goku’s legendary power-up yells its Sean Schmmel.

The voice actor has played the multiple time savior of the universe for almost 20 years. Other actors have stepped into the booth and laid down their Gokus, but no one has left their mark on the character like Schemmel. The character and him are one.

“It’s something I really don’t think about,” Schemmel said when describing his connection to the character. “You know how you wake up and don’t have to think about certain things like your gender, age or race? That’s what it is like, when I have to be Goku, I just am.”

Fans adulation of his portrayal has a lot to do with the veteran voice actor’s work ethic and ability to channel the very different traits.

“Whatever I do I want to give a 1,000 percent, a 1,000,000 percent, over 9,000,” the actor joked, referencing one of the show’s most iconic and memeified scenes. “Whatever it is I just want to give over 100 percent.”

Fitting considering the character he portrays is a hero that is pushed beyond the limits set by other’s to save the ones he loves and those who cannot fight for themselves.

It is another reason that the character of Goku has resonated with American audiences. A kind hearted goof ball at times, that when needed, is able to flip the switch and do whatever it takes to save the planet from certain doom.

The character has not changed much since Sean first took on the role but “Battle of Gods” did offer something new.

Some of the stories supporting cast got to explore different sides of their character, which Schemmel described as “fun” to watch.

What “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods” also offers is pure Saiyan destruction, which the Dragon Ball universe works exclusively in. Battling a new all-powerful villain, Goku’s latest challenge is one worth the IMAX run in theaters this film enjoyed.

Although this IMAX release is what many would think is something to hang your hat on, the hard working Schemmel is not taking any breaks lending his voice to some other fan favorite projects like the recently released “Skylanders: Trap Team” and voices Lucario “Super Smash Bros.”

No long breaks. But do not go breaking out your small violin for Schemmel, the veteran voice actor loves what he does.

“You know I love what I do, I think that’s important,” said Schemmel. “I worked retail for years, I hated it. You know if you love your retail job, do that, just do whatever makes you happy.”

“Dragon Ball Z: Battle of the Gods” is now available on Blu Ray, DVD and VOD.