Vincent Martella Talks Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel

Michael Moccio ’16 and Alicia Carroll ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Editors

Universes collide when Marvel and Disney characters team up in “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel.” This episode of the acclaimed Phineas and Ferb series will feature Marvel Super Heroes and the popular animated duo as they face off against various villains and Dr. Doofenshmirtz, in an epic battle of good versus evil.  This first ever crossover animated television special for Marvel and Disney characters premieres FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

In “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel,” Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk are struck by Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s power-draining “inator,” leaving them without powers. Once the Marvel Super Villains – Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. – find out that Dr. Doofenshmirtz is responsible for robbing the Super Heroes of their powers, they seek him out and together create mayhem in Danville. Meanwhile, Phineas and Ferb do everything they can to restore the Super Heroes’ powers before the evil villains take over the world.

Creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh worked closely with Marvel’s creative team to ensure the Marvel characters fit seamlessly into the Danville world of the Emmy Award-winning series.

Recently, Emertainment had an opportunity to do an email interview with Vincent Martella, the voice of Phineas from “Phineas and Ferb.”

Emertainment Monthly: Phineas and Ferb is definitely a unique Disney show. What is your favorite aspect of the show?

Vincent Martella: My favorite aspect of the show is that it has a sense of humor for entire families to enjoy. I love hearing parents talk about how much they love watching the show with their kids because there are jokes for everyone.

Now that Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel is fast approaching, do you have any thoughts regarding the new dynamic of the show? How will Phineas and Ferb react to The Avenger’s in their world?

I love the places we are going with Phineas and Ferb, especially with “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel.” I think having Marvel characters in the Phineas and Ferb universe is one of the coolest things we have done so far on the show. Phineas and Ferb love adventure, so they are thrilled to come across super heroes who may end up needing their help before their latest adventure is over.

Are you familiar with the Marvel Universe? Who is your favorite superhero and why?

I am familiar with the Marvel universe! I think my favorite Marvel character right now is Iron Man. Iron Man rocks because even when he has his armor off, Tony Stark is still a genius who can use his brains to get out of a dangerous situation.

What’s your favorite part about the episode?

My favorite part about Mission Marvel is Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s relationship with the Marvel Super Villains. They are under the impression he is the best super villain of all, which doesn’t end up being the case.

You’ve done your fair share of voice over and live action of roles. Do you find either more difficult than the other? Or do you enjoy one more than the other?

I don’t have a favorite between live action and animation. They’re both fun for different reasons. You get different opportunities as an actor doing both types of roles. I think sometimes voice acting can be difficult for people at the beginning because you have to convey the emotion of a scene all with your voice.

Are there any hardships in voice acting when playing a child for six years? Is a difficult when you grow faster than your character? How do you keep Phineas’s voice sounding the same throughout the years?

The great part about the voice of Phineas is that it isn’t close to my natural voice so it is a voice that doesn’t really change throughout the years.

What’s the hardest part about being Phineas? What do you feel is most rewarding about it?

The hardest part of being Phineas is having to wait until the episodes come out to see them. When I record them, to when they’re on air, is almost a year later usually. The most rewarding part is being on a show that has become such a big part of the Disney animated family. Disney has such a long history of classic cartoons and I’m very happy to be a part of that.

What has been your favorite episode so far? The caveman episode and the episode with Phineas and the Ferb-tones are Emertainment favorites!

My favorite episode so far might be “Summer Belongs to You.” I really loved that episode, and all the music in it as well. I laughed so hard at so many of the jokes in that script and felt like it had a lot of heart.

Not to look too far ahead into the future, but can you tell us anything about Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars?

I can tell you that I’m thrilled we’re doing a Phineas and Ferb Star Wars crossover! I can’t wait for it to come out for everyone to see. I can’t give away details of the script, but I am a massive Star Wars fan so it is a really exciting episode for me.

Be sure to check out the episode tomorrow, August 16th, (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.