Drake Bell is one of Nickelodeon’s biggest stars. He first caught our eye on the hit show DRAKE & JOSH, but he’s been super busy with a bunch of other projects since then. If you watch ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN on Teletoon, you may recognize his voice as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Plus, he’ll be returning to the screen in Nickelodeon’s A FAIRLY ODD CHRISTMAS special this holiday season. We caught up with Drake to talk about acting, music and his love of Canada!
How do bring your own twist to the role of Spider-Man?
I basically just do the voice that I remember hearing in my mind when I read the comics.
What was your favourite episode to voice so far?
I really love the team up – I love anytime Spider-Man teams up with another superhero, especially when Captain America and I team up!
Fans remember you most for DRAKE & JOSH. Can we ever expect a comeback of that character?
Probably not, but it would be cool. Who knows? We were done for two years and we came back to do the Christmas special. You never know! It would be cool. I would absolutely say yes because I had such a great time playing that character and it would definitely be fun to go back and reminisce.
You’re friends with former co-stars Josh Peck and Miranda Cosgrove. What’s it like working with them?
It’s awesome. That’s how you get the best work. You become a family. Sometimes while you’re working together, things go great, other times you butt heads and then later, you’re back to getting along again. It’s just like being real brothers and that’s what’s really great.
How have you changed over the years?
I’ve gotten taller. Other than that, I’m just the same kid from Orange County.
Are you still making music?
I’m actually working on a record right now with Bryan Setzer. He’s one of my idols and probably my favourite guitar player of all time. To get to work with him is going to be incredible. He’s going to be executive producing my new record. I wanted to do something cool and different. I grew up on all the music from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. That’s really where my brain musically lives. I’m going to do a whole record with rockabilly, swing and big band. It will be like if you had a time machine and went back. I’m going to be flying to Nashville recording
You’ve done some work with the Thirst Project in the past. Are you continuing to do charity work?
Yes, mostly with the Thirst Project. That’s a really great and important organization. It’s headed by my friend Seth, who I met a few years ago and that’s how I got involved. It’s been really great.
What upcoming project are you most excited about?
I just shot A FAIRLY ODD PARENTS Christmas movie [A FAIRLY ODD CHRISTMAS] in Canada. I’ve been in Vancouver for the past three years shooting three different movies. It’s really cool because I get to go back to Vancouver and hang out. I love it there. It’s like a second home. I love the people, I love the weather. It’s gorgeous! It’s just an awesome place. Anytime I get pitched to shoot in Vancouver, I’m like, “Dude, I’m there!”
Thank you, Drake! Be sure to check out ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN on Teletoon on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT!