The series pairs her up with Taliesin Jaffe to discuss their upbringings in the entertainment industry and how it's impacted their lives. It's a cozy hang of a show, with the natural chemistry between the two long-time friends guaranteeing a relaxing hangout vibe. In an interview with Screen Rant, Ashley Johnson discussed what she loves most about Weird Kids, the ubiquity of growing up a little strange, her favorite aspect of Bella Ramsey's performance in The Last Of Us, and teased the upcoming The Mighty Nein animated show.
Ashley John Breaks Down The Purpose Behind Weird Kids
"A Lot Of Were Just Kind Of Weird. But If You Have Those Experiences, It's Nice To Talk About"
A big appeal of Weird Kids for Johnson and Jaffe is the chance to share a genuine conversation with a friend in a way that can be shared with the world. "The two of us are uncomfortable talking about ourselves," Johnson admitted. "We've sort of found a space where, if the two of us are together, it makes us a little bit more comfortable.
"I've known Taliesin for fifteen years, he's one of my best friends. But sitting down with him and having conversations like this, it feels like we're becoming closer and learning so many things about each other... we hang out all the time, but it's different when you're sitting down and having a conversation that is being recorded."
There are times I wish I could have had a more normal life, gone to high school or to prom. Even when I talk about it to people, they're like, 'It was fine, wasn't that exciting.' But you just always wonder what was happening on the other side of things, you know? I am very grateful for the upbringing I had. There are many things that I would like to have changed, but it's the life that I was given.
"Being an adult and going to therapy, being able to talk about these things and how your trauma can inform who you are and how you overcome it, that's important... some of the comments that I've seen so far, we have very different upbringings, but have similar traumas. There's comfort in knowing that other people have been through what you've been through. Talking shit out feels good. It makes you feel like you're not alone."
Ashley Johnson On Vox Machina Season 4 & The Mighty Nein
"Mighty Nein Is Just A Different Vibe"
One of Johnson's most notable recent projects has been Critical Role, the mega-successful TTRPG series that has spawned hundreds of episodes and inspired legions of fans. Their fantasy RPG game has already served as the inspiration for one animated show — The Legend of Vox Machina — which already has three seasons on Prime Video, with a fourth one coming out soon. This will soon be joined by The Mighty Nein, focusing on different characters in a different region. It's a dream come true for Johnson, who exclaims that it is "so fucking cool" to still be working with her friends.
"Animated or like-action, either in the writer's room or in the edits... we're perpetually tired, but in the best way." Looking ahead to the next season of Legend of Vox Machina, Johnson laughed and explained that while the upcoming season 4 is "so good," it's really Mighty Nein that she's the most excited about. "Legend of Vox Machina, that's our original. It's incredible. It's great, I'm so proud of it. But Mighty Nien is just cool. It's a different vibe. That campaign was a little darker, it's just so cool. I'm so excited for people to see it. I feel so lucky. I'm just so proud of everything.
"I Think Bella Ramsey Has Taken Ellie To A Whole Other Level"
Ashley Johnson has appeared in plenty of TV shows and films, but she's also made a name for herself as a voice actress. One of her most notable roles in the realm of animation and video games is Ellie from The Last of Us. The critically acclaimed survival game was largely focused on Ellie, initially as someone the player must protect before taking her over as the story progresses. The game's story has gone on to inspire the acclaimed HBO series of the same name, which cast Bella Ramsey in the role.
"I was already a fan of hers," Johnson recalled about hearing Ramsey's casting. "She's incredible. I think what's been so cool about watching it is seeing parts of Ellie that we didn't get to explore in the game." As a fan of the original game beyond her role in it, Johnson just wanted the creatives on the show to "make it their own and not feel like they needed to copy anything or needed to recreate a moment." For Johnson, Ramsey's performance has been a highlight of the show.
Appearing in "Look for the Light" during a flashback to Ellie's birth, Johnson recalled how "I've had such an incredible time telling this story and being a part of this story." Pondering if she'd return for another potential flashback as Anna, Johnson admitted that "it would be so much fun, but I don't want anything to feel forced. If it feels natural in the story and in the moment, great. If not, great. I love this is a different way they've been able to tell it."
Ashley Johnson Explains The Importance Of Weird Kids
"We're Making A Space Where People Feel Comfortable Enough To Get Cozy"
Ashley Johnson's schedule is packed for the next year, with plenty of shows beyond her commitments to The Legend of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein. Weird Kids seems to fulfill a very personal side of Johnson's work, however, giving her a chance to look back at who she was and how it informed who she has become. "I was weird. I was strange, I didn't fully feel like I fit in. Sometimes it was harder for me to make friends. Sometimes those things stick with you and are in your body even as an adult.
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