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Exclusive Interview: The Legend Of Vox Machina Star Ashley Johnson Teases That Best Buddies Grog and Pike Will Get Into “A Lot Of Silliness”

The Legend Of Vox Machina star Ashley Johnson teases what fans can expect from best buddies Grog and Pike in the new animated series.
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The Legend Of Vox Machina explores the early days of Vox Machina’s adventures as they try to find gold and glory before becoming the famed heroes they eventually grow into. Over the course of the first Critical Role campaign relationships and bonds were forged between the members of Vox Machina, but one friendship that was strong from the start was the relationship between Grog Strongjaw and Pike Trickfoot, an unlikely pair that proved to be one of the most hilarious and pure bonds in Campaign 1.

The friendship between goliath barbarian Grog Strongjaw and gnome cleric Pike Trickfoot is one of the truest friendships in not only Campaign 1 of Critical Role, but now The Legend Of Vox Machina. The two were friends long before the formation of Vox Machina and The Legend Of Vox Machina captures this bond perfectly. From the care they show for each other, the confidence they have in one another, and the pure silly fun and trouble that they find themselves in.

Ashley Johnson Teases Silliness For Best Buddies Pike And Grog In The Legend Of Vox Machina

The Illuminerdi had the opportunity to speak with Ashley Johnson, Matt Mercer, and Marisha Ray about the new animated series The Legend Of Vox Machina. During our interview Ashley Johnson teased a little bit of what fans can expect in The Legend Of Vox Machina and how the friendship between Grog and Pike mirrors her own close friendship with Travis Willingham.

RELATED: THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA STAR MARISHA RAY ON KEYLETH’S UNIQUE IMPORTANCE FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN NEW FANTASY SERIES: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“I feel like that was portrayed very well in the series, of our friendship throughout the three years that we streamed prior to, you know, for that whole campaign. And it’s a really special friendship. I mean Travis and I are best buddies and it’s, so much of also the game that we played informed our own personal relationship.

I mean he’s like my older brother. He’s the best. But I love that we were able to transfer that into the series and they get into a lot of silliness. And they’re just an odd pair and I love that. And yeah, I’m excited for people to see how their relationship is shown in the series. It’s adorable.”

Pike and Grog are a hilarious pair and even in the first three episodes their love and friendship shine through. Knowing that the friendship between Ashley Johnson and Travis Willingham has grown through the game and now will transfer into the animated series with their characters adds a layer of depth and authenticity that is clear on screen. Transferring this friendship into animation has allowed The Legend Of Vox Machina to add small almost quiet physical moments of love and care between the two that weren’t as prominent in the livestream.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA STAR MATT MERCER BREAKS DOWN THE “LENGTHY PROCESS” OF ADAPTING THE BRIARWOOD ARC

Grog and Pike will likely be an important part of infusing The Legend Of Vox Machina with a combination of heart and comedy as the pair, hopefully, get into some truly ridiculous shenanigans. With The Legend Of Vox Machina diving into the early days of the adventuring party many of the beloved relationships are still growing and developing, but one that is full of fun and love from the start is Grog and Pike the unlikeliest of best buddies. It will be exciting to see Pike’s arc in The Legend Of Vox Machina and what silliness Grog and Pike are able to get up to given the heavy story the series will explore in The Briarwood arc.

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The first three episodes of The Legend Of Vox Machina are now available on Prime Video with new episodes premiering on Fridays. What do you think of the first three episodes of The Legend Of Vox Machina animated series? Are you excited to see Pike and Grog get into some trouble? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media and check back with The Illuminerdi for more Critical Role and The Legend Of Vox Machina.

KEEP READING: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA STAR MATT MERCER REVEALS WHY HE WANTED TO “SINK HIS TEETH” INTO VILLAINOUS SYLAS BRIARWOOD

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Caitlin Tyrrell

Caitlin Tyrrell

Features Manager & Producer with The Illuminerdi. Caitlin has a deep love for storytelling of every kind. She is a huge fan of television, animation, and film, but Star Wars, the MCU, and Critical Role hold a special place in her heart.