We Speak Actors
Multi-award-winning voice actor Todd Haberkorn returns in ‘Destiny 2: Lightfall’
Todd Haberkorn is a big deal in the gaming and film world. You’ll have heard his voice-acting work in major TV series such as ‘Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight’ alongside Jack Black and Rita Ora, and he’s also well-known for his VO in video games and anime films. ‘Destiny 2: Lightfall’ has just been released, with Todd reprising his role as the voice of the Drifter. He talks about his love for this mysterious space pirate, the exciting new series he’s directing, and the endless creativity of video games.
‘Destiny 2’ has just released its latest DLC, ‘Lightfall’ – can you shed some ‘light’ on the character you play?
“This latest release continues the layered space tale we’ve been a part of for years. My character, the Drifter, floats in and around the storyline, adding colour to the picture we’re painting with this new update to the game. There are so many branches to the story that it’s hard for me to keep it all straight! But with this expansion, we’ve got new powers, a new campaign, and much more. I don’t get to sing a pirate song in this DLC like I did the last one, though!”
Do you relate to the Drifter or is he very different from you?
“I always enjoy hopping in the saddle for my favorite space pirate! After working on it for years, I’ve only just learned that the character was created with me in mind – so that’s a fun fact to know. I prefer it when characters aren’t like me so I can take on the challenge of solving the acting puzzle in my hands. I become a detective and try to fill in all the gaps of who the person I’m playing is, and then I can bring the words on the page to life. The care that the creative team gives the storyline and the Drifter’s part within it continues to surprise me, while at the same time revealing more about his long history that just helps me as an actor. You hear a lot of the Drifter in the Gambit game mode on the multiplayer side.”
Are there any TV voiceover projects that you looked to for inspiration for this video game voiceover?
“Voiceover for cartoons and for video games are similar in the fact that they’re both acting behind the mic, but the process is different.
“A great director and good writing are important – they give me the ingredients I need to cook my voiceover dish.”
And then, hopefully, players of the game like it and keep coming back for more.”
What other projects have you been working on?
“‘HiFi Rush’ came out last month and I definitely got to exercise my villain muscles on that one. Talk about a game that’s very different from ‘Destiny 2’! It’s a rhythm-based adventure game with very colourful characters and animation. At the other end of the spectrum, I’m currently directing an animated series based on a video game franchise called ‘Hello Neighbor’. We’re starting from scratch with new animation, new voices and new scripts. It’s great to see the fans of the franchise supporting this animated series, which was the first animated series to debut inside a video game – you’ve got to play it to see what I mean! There’s a really powerful team of creatives behind it, including the minds behind the ‘Ben10’ series and ‘Big Hero 6’. Two episodes are out now and we’ve got more to come!”
Featured photo credit: Kevin Lynch
We Speak Actors
‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat
Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.
You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?
I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.
Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?
My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.
How do you balance your business and acting career?
During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?
Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.
What upcoming projects do you have?
Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.
Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.
Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling
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