Takei Lends Voice to “Clone Wars”

Actor George Takei will lend his voice talent on this Friday’s episode of “Star Wars: Clone Wars,” according to Newsarama.

Takei, who is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on “Star Trek” will provide the voice for a new villian, Lok Durd.  Takei has done extensive voiceover work the past several years, including projects like “Mulan,” “Batman Beyond” and “Kim Possible.”

Takei’s appearance in “Clone Wars” makes the first time an actor from classic “Trek” has worked in both “Star” universes.

“I don’t consider it jumping ship,” says Takei. ”The Star Trek philosophy is to embrace the diversity of the universe, and Star Wars is part of that diversity. I also think Star Trek and Star Wars are related beyond both having the word “Star.”

Not that he doesn’t acknowledge differences, either.

“’Star Trek’ is science fiction,” said Takei. “’Star Wars’ is science fantasy. Based on the episodes I worked on, I think with ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars’ we’re starting to see a merging though. It does deal, philosophically, with some of the issues of the time, which is always something ‘Star Trek’ was known for. War, Peace, Technology, Humanity, Sacrifice and Courage; these issues. I found that engaging.

“The other thing I found is in doing the ‘Star Wars’ animation, especially when compared to the ‘Star Trek’ animation, it was really working as an actor. I was actually working with other actors. When we did the recording (for Clone Wars) they had the entire cast there. So we were able to bounce off of each other. You get a better idea of the characterization that way, the vocal rhythms of the other characters. ”

You can hear Takei’s voice on this week’s “Clone Wars.” The episode airs Friday on Cartoon Network.